Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Go Ashanti United FC!!!!
Jax
Two things dominate life at Ilala market in Dar es Salaam - one is selling second-hand clothes and the other is their very own football team, Ashanti United FC.
Ashanti are playing in Tanzania's premier league for the first time, since it was founded by the Ilala market community over 40 years ago.
The second-hand clothes traders basically own Ashanti and financially support the side.
A market stall serves as the club's office, where the fundraising and planning for the team is done.
Abdallah Kiboko, a club chieftain and former player, who also collects contributions, says the team operates on a monthly budget of just US$200 and do not have any bank account.
Almost all other teams in the 16-team premier league either have rich individuals backing them or are run by companies. Ashanti depends entirely on contributions from the market traders.
When the players turn up for training they get just US$0.50 to help cover their transport costs and free meals, prepared by the traders.
Group spirit
When the team travels for an away match, the fundraising is done just prior to departure, as they collect just enough to cover the cost of the bus fare.
Fadhil Gasto, a former player and Ilala businessman, is one of the club's loyal supporters.
"I make sure that I contribute money everyday - when business is good I contribute as much as US$1 but when business is bad I give just half of that," he said.
Players do not have enough shirts or boots and many of them are bare-chested during training sessions.
Despite all these obstacles, team captain Mgaya Ali, who is a food vendor at the market, says the club remains focussed.
"Our expectations are to go all the way, win the league title and subsequently take part in international competitions," he says confidently.
What keeps the players going is not the dream of a big-money move to a top club but establishing themselves as second-hand clothes salesmen and earning money for their futures.
The team's integration in the market means former players are guaranteed their own stalls at an already over-crowded commercial centre.
"Former players have been integrated and are doing their businesses here but we are still working out a programme of absorbing young players," said Haji Bechina, a market trader and an executive committee member of the club.
The team's coffers have been boosted this season with US$4,000, given by mobile phone company Vodacom, who sponsor of the league.
Things will improve further for Ashanti when they receive their share of the gate collections when they host top teams like Simba, Yanga and Mtibwa. (Link)
