Dar es Salaam. Wallace Karia has retained his seat as President of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) after receiving unanimous backing from all voting members during the federation’s general elections held at Tanga Beach Resort Hotel.
Mr Karia, who has been at the helm of Tanzanian football for the past four years, stood as the sole candidate for the top position.
The election was a formality as the entire assembly threw their support behind him, reaffirming their confidence in his leadership.
Chairman of the TFF Electoral Committee, Advocate Kiomoni Kibamba, announced the decision after asking the delegates to show their hands if they supported Karia’s continuation.
To the delight of the incumbent, every hand in the room was raised.
“In total, 76 delegates were eligible to vote, and all of them have unanimously endorsed Mr Karia as President. Therefore, I officially declare him as the duly elected President of the Tanzania Football Federation,” said Kibamba.
Out of 83 total members, only 76 had the mandate to cast votes, and every single one endorsed Mr Karia an emphatic show of unity rarely witnessed in Tanzanian football politics.
Addressing the gathering after his unopposed victory, Mr Karia acknowledged that his journey had not been without turbulence, likening the process to “passing iron through fire to make it stronger.”
“The challenges we have faced are a sign that we must work harder. I thank you all for the trust you have placed in me and my colleagues. Now, it is time for each of us to play our part. We will continue to ensure the proper management and growth of our football,” Karia said.
The elections coincided with Tanzania’s participation in the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN), a major continental tournament.
Despite the timing, Karia expressed pride that the process was completed smoothly without disrupting the national agenda.
In his speech, the re-elected president also extended heartfelt gratitude to the government for its unprecedented support to the national team during the CHAN campaign.
“For the first time since I got involved in football administration, the government has fully supported the national team 100 percent. This is a huge milestone for our country. When you see our boys giving everything on the pitch, know that there has been tremendous work done behind the scenes. I am truly thankful to the government for this commitment,” Karia emphasized.
His words struck a chord with delegates who applauded the government’s effort and Karia’s role in strengthening the relationship between football authorities and state leadership.
Looking ahead, Karia promised that the next four years of his leadership will focus on continuity and progress building structures, nurturing young talent, and ensuring that Tanzanian football remains competitive on the continental and global stage.
With such overwhelming endorsement, Wallace Karia begins his second term not just as a leader, but as a unifying figure trusted to steer Tanzanian football through both challenges and triumphs.
