TANZANIAN striker Selemani Mwalimu is ecstatic after achieving his dream of playing professional football, expressing his determination to succeed following his unveiling by Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca last week.

Mwalimu (pictured), who gained prominence this season with his outstanding goal-scoring form in the first round of the Tanzanian Premier League, caught the attention of scouts, ultimately securing his move to Morocco.

The transfer from Singida Black Stars - where he was on loan from Fountain Gate - to Wydad was finalized late in the transfer window. Mwalimu admitted that he found it hard to believe the deal would materialize.

The 19-year-old forward will initially train with Wydad's B team, allowing him time to adapt and develop without immediate pressure. However, he will remain eligible for call-ups to the senior squad under head coach Rulani Mokwena.

Mokwena, who has been closely following the Tanzanian Premier League, had initially shown interest in current top scorer Clement Mzize before opting to sign Mwalimu.

"I was in disbelief when I first received the news. It was a phone call confirming that everything had been finalized, and all that remained was for me to prepare myself to go and fight for my goals. I am delighted that everything went smoothly, leading to my official unveiling as a Wydad Casablanca player.

"Now that my dream of playing professional football outside Tanzania has come true, my focus is on working hard and fulfilling expectations to secure playing time," Mwalimu stated.

He emphasized his ambition to create a solid foundation for himself in Moroccan football, ensuring that he earns opportunities to feature in Wydad's senior team and make an impact in the Botola Pro League.

Mwalimu also took a moment to express gratitude to the clubs that played a role in his development and helped pave the way for his dream move abroad.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank KVZ FC (Zanzibar) for nurturing me and providing the platform for me to be noticed. 

“I sincerely appreciate Singida Black Stars FC and their management for recognizing my talent, believing in me, and giving me the opportunity to play in the Tanzanian Premier League.

"Additionally, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the management of Fountain Gate FC, the technical bench, and my teammates. Their support has been crucial to my growth, and I am determined to live up to expectations and thrive in my new journey," said Mwalimu, who scored six goals in the first round of the Premier League.

Mwalimu joins Wydad alongside other new signings from the mini transfer window, including goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid; defenders Fahd Moufi, Mikael Malsa, Hamza Ftiti, Zakaria Fatihti, and Mohamed Jaddidi; as well as South African winger Thembenkosi Lorch, who arrived on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns.