Tanzania, Kenya grassroots clubs beneficiaries of Tusker fowards' Mozzart Bet Cup Ksh100,000 award
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 21.05.26. | 11:25
The forward landed the cheque following his match- winning goal in the quarterfinal clash against Ulinzi Stars
Tusker FC striker, Ibrahim Joshua, acknowledges that he would not be representing Tanzania on the international stage or turning out for the 12-time Kenyan champions were it not for the foundation laid by the little-known Pambogo Football Club.
Joshua did not enjoy the privilege of launching his football journey at a prestigious academy or within a system defined by clear structures and modern infrastructure.
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Instead, his early relationship with the game was forged in the streets, at Pambogo Primary School and later at Forest Secondary School, both in Mbeya, Tanzania.
But it was at Pambogo FC where the raw attributes that now define him as a commanding striker first began.
He joined the club after completing his studies in 2014 before decamping to another grassroots side, Garage FC, where he continued his development.
As he came of age, his journey towards establishing himself as one of the region’s most promising forwards gathered momentum with a move to Mbeya City FC, a move that exposed him to top-flight football.
Spells at Lipuli FC and Kengold FC followed as he steadily progressed his football career.
Despite featuring for Kengold in the second tier at the time, Tusker FC took a massive gamble on him, first signing him in 2021 before reuniting with him for a second stint in February this year.
It is at Tusker where the powerful forward has enjoyed his breakthrough, earning a call-up and debut for the Tanzanian national team while significantly elevating his profile.
Joshua may forget many milestones along the way, but not where it all began — Pambogo Football Club.
When the forward was named Man of the Match in a 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup quarterfinal clash against Ulinzi Stars, he knew it was a perfect opportunity to uplift his grassroots club.
Joshua scored the decisive goal as Tusker edged Ulinzi 2-1 to book a semifinal date with KCB.
The Brewers will tackle 2024 champions Kenya Police in the final set for next month at Kwale Stadium.
On Wednesday, May 20, he redeemed his cheque and purchased sporting equipment for donation to his boyhood club.
In a gesture of rare class, the striker chose to split the proceeds, with half going to Pambogo FC and the remainder to Ruaraka-based Mathare North Youth FC.
“I am a product of grassroots football. I would not be here if it were not for the good work done by coaches at Pambogo FC. When I won the award, I saw it as an opportunity to put a smile on the faces of the boys currently at the club.
It was only fair to support both a Kenyan club and others, given that the challenges players face here are similar to those experienced by their counterparts in Tanzania," said Joshua after visiting Mathare North FC.
Accompanied by Tusker captain Charles Momanyi and right-back Collins Odhiambo, Joshua donated footballs, resistance bands, uniforms, cones, agility ladders, tactical boards, kit bags and set markers.
The forward believes that the Humanitarian Cheque will play a key role in unearthing lethal strikers from the grassroots level.
"Talent at the lower level is in abundance. With the right support, many of these boys have what it takes to compete at the top level. I would like to thank Mozzart Bet for introducing this initiative, as it will go a long way in encouraging young players to pursue their dreams,” said Joshua.
His sentiments were echoed by Mathare North FC coach Vincent Ondili, who praised the betting firm for its support in promoting grassroots football.
The tactician, who admitted to drawing inspiration from BB Bread’s impressive run in the competition, said the club will consider participating in the tournament for the first time next year.
"We thank Mozzart Bet for this initiative, as we have already seen its fruits. I would also like to thank Joshua for generously donating to us. This will greatly benefit the players, most of whom aspire to reach the top level. We have always believed that the Cup belongs to the big clubs, but what BB Bread has done has made us reconsider our chances of participating next season,” said Ondili, who has coached in the fifth tier since 2015.