Chuga Cup renews Arusha-Mbeya rivalry

ARUSHA : As the opening of the Chuga Cup kicks off in Arusha with a match between Engutoto and Kaloleni, this soccer competition will soon shift to Mbeya, in the Southern Highlands.

The Deputy Minister of Works and Transport, Atupele Mwakibete who is also the member of parliament for Busokelo Constituency graced the tournament’s opening between Kaloleni and Engutoto which ended in a barren draw.

“I am impressed with the Chuga Cup, therefore after the Arusha league is over, I will take the winners to Mbeya where they will face other clubs from Rungwe District of Mbeya. There is a a similar competition there staged in the Busokelo area,” MP Mwakibete disclosed.

The MP lauded his fellow legislator, Mrisho Gambo of Arusha Urban for organizing the event which gives hope to aspiring young sports people who would also like to encourage working so that they can succeed in the international level competitions events presence.

The Busokelo Member of Parliament is organizing a similar youth soccer tournament in his constituency and it will be staged in September 2023 and will also feature the best  clubs from Arusha.

Speaking during the match, the Member of Parliament for Arusha-Urban, Mrisho Gambo said the ‘Chuga Cup,’ has attracted 32 teams from the three districts; Longido, Monduli and Arumeru.

Gambo is bankrolling the Chuga Cup at the cost of 180m/- for three years which translates into 60m/- being disbursed to the ARFA every year.

Apart from the trip to Tukuyu, Mbeya, the winner stands to earn 5m/-; the first runner-up gets 3m/- while the team which comes third pockets 1m/- as far as prizes are concerned.

Other prizes will go to the outstanding sports personalities including the top scorer, best player and the best referee.

The ARFA Secretary Emmanuel Anthony who inked the agreement on behalf of the football association said they will ensure that Chuga Cup becomes an exemplary sporting event in Tanzania.

Other supporters include Reliance Insurance, a firm which is the main sponsor.

Other sponsors of the Chuga Cup are Ibra Line, Pesa-Pal, Mega Beverage, Travel Guard Insurance and Tanfoam.