GEITA: Geita Gold FC officially received the 2025/26 NBC Championship trophy on Friday after completing a successful campaign that ended with promotion back to the NBC Premier League.
The Geita-based club finished at the top of the standings with 77 points, sealing the second-tier title after a consistent and commanding season. Kagera Sugar FC also secured promotion after finishing second with 71 points, earning a place in the 2026/27 NBC Premier League.
The trophy presentation was held at Nyankumbu Stadium, where Geita Gold concluded their title-winning season with a 2-0 victory over Big Man FC of Lindi.
Supporters packed the venue to celebrate the achievement alongside football officials and government representatives.
The occasion marked the end of a competitive NBC Championship campaign that saw clubs battle for promotion places throughout the season. Geita Gold ultimately emerged as the strongest side, combining consistency and results to secure an immediate return to Tanzania’s top-flight competition.
Representing NBC Managing Director Theobald Sabi, NBC Lake Zone Business Head Mafwimbo Bihemo congratulated all clubs that participated in the league and highlighted the growing competitiveness of domestic football.
He said the standard of competition, the emergence of young players and improvements across the game continue to reflect positive progress within Tanzanian football.
Bihemo also congratulated Geita Gold FC for winning the championship and Kagera Sugar FC for securing promotion, noting that their achievements underline the increasing competitiveness of local football.
So far NBC has invested more than 32bn/- in the sponsorship of the NBC Premier League, NBC Championship and Youth League competitions. The investment has coincided with efforts to strengthen league structures and create a pathway for player development from youth football to the highest level of the domestic game.
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According to Bihemo, the development pathway linking youth competitions, the NBC Championship and the NBC Premier League continues to contribute to improved standards and the production of players capable of competing at higher levels.
He added: “We congratulate all clubs that participated in this season’s NBC Championship for the high level of competition they demonstrated throughout the campaign.
“Special congratulations go to Geita Gold FC for winning the title and to Kagera Sugar FC for securing promotion to the NBC Premier League. Their achievements reflect the growing strength and competitiveness of football in Tanzania.”
Beyond league sponsorship, the bank has also extended support to football stakeholders through financial services that include club financing, health insurance packages for players and technical staff, and financial literacy programmes.
Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) President Wallace Karia said the recently concluded NBC Championship season ranked among the most competitive in recent years. He noted that clubs are becoming increasingly organised and professional in their approach to recruitment, preparation and overall management.
Karia urged newly promoted clubs Geita Gold FC and Kagera Sugar FC to strengthen their squads and continue investing in infrastructure as they prepare for the demands of the NBC Premier League. He said such investments will be important in helping the teams remain competitive while improving the matchday experience for supporters.
For Geita Gold, attention is already shifting towards the challenge of top-flight football. Club captain Yusuph Mhilu dedicated the title success to the supporters, management and technical team who contributed throughout the campaign.
Mhilu said the achievement was a collective effort and acknowledged the support the team received during the season. He added that preparations for life in the NBC Premier League have already begun as the club aims to compete strongly following its return to the top tier.
Having secured the championship and promotion, Geita Gold now turns its focus to the next phase of its journey, with the club set to rejoin Tanzania’s elite competition after a season that ended with silverware and a place among the country’s top-flight sides.