Tanzania Women’s Premier League 2024/25: JKT Queens Win Title on Goal Difference

Dominance, Drama & Determination: TWPL 2024/25 Season Review – How JKT Queens Ruled Tanzania’s Women’s Football Revolution

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The Tanzania Women’s Premier League (TWPL) 2024/25 season will be remembered as a watershed moment for women’s football in East Africa. JKT Queens’ coronation as champions – secured through a record-breaking campaign of 47 points and 69 goals – capped a season brimming with unforgettable narratives. From Simba Queens’ agonising second-place finish on goal difference to Yanga Princess’s emergence as dark horses, this was a campaign that balanced sporting excellence with hard-hitting controversies.

Beyond the pitch, the league’s “Play Fair, Be Positive” ethos faced stern tests. The Tanzania Football Federation’s (TFF) decisive rulings – penalising Alliance Girls for fielding an ineligible player and suspending Simba Queens officials for referee assaults – sparked nationwide debate about integrity in the beautiful game. Meanwhile, the heartbreaking relegation of Mlandizi Queens (managing just one point all season) laid bare the growing competitiveness of Africa’s most improved women’s league.

This comprehensive review analyses:
✓ JKT Queens’ tactical blueprint for dominance
✓ How disciplinary decisions reshaped the title race
✓ The stadiums and communities driving TWPL’s popularity surge
✓ What relegation means for struggling clubs
✓ Expert predictions for the 2025/26 season

With attendances rising and young Tanzanian girls finding new role models, the TWPL has become more than a competition – it’s a movement redefining gender perceptions in African sport. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to women’s football, this is the ultimate guide to understanding Tanzania’s beautiful game revolution.

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1. JKT Queens: A Season of Dominance – A Cut Above the Rest

As the Swahili saying goes, “Mwenye nguvu mpishe!” (Let the strong prevail!)—and in the Tanzania Women’s Premier League (TWPL) 2024/2025 season, JKT Queens embodied this adage with an iron grip. Their campaign was nothing short of masterful, finishing with a staggering 47 points, an avalanche of 69 goals scored, and an almost impenetrable defence that conceded just 7 goals in 18 matches.

Attacking Brilliance: A Goal-Scoring Juggernaut

JKT Queens didn’t just win matches—they demolished opponents with ruthless efficiency. Averaging nearly four goals per game, their frontline operated like a well-oiled machine, tearing through defences with pace, precision, and flair. Whether at home in Dodoma’s Jamhuri Stadium or on the road, they left no doubt about their superiority.

Defensive Fortress: The Wall of Dodoma

While their attack grabbed headlines, their defence was equally formidable. Conceding only 7 goals all season—less than one every two matches—was a testament to their organisation and discipline. Opponents found it nearly impossible to break them down, reinforcing the age-old football wisdom: “Attack wins games, defence wins titles.”

Key Players Who Made the Difference

• Striker Extraordinaire: Their top scorer, whose name became a nightmare for defenders, netting over 20 goals—a true talisman.

• Midfield Maestro: The engine room of the team, dictating play with vision and tenacity.

• Defensive Rock: A commanding presence at the back, ensuring clean sheets became a habit rather than a rarity.

What This Means for Tanzanian Football

JKT Queens’ dominance wasn’t just about winning—it was about raising the standard. Their performances have set a new benchmark for women’s football in Tanzania, proving that with tactical intelligence, teamwork, and sheer determination, local teams can achieve excellence.

As the new season approaches, one question lingers: Can anyone dethrone them? For now, they stand tall—true champions who have earned their crown. “Mwenye nguvu alipita!” (The strong have indeed prevailed!)

2. Simba Queens: So Close, Yet So Far – The Agony of Near-Perfection

As the Tanzanian proverb goes, “Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako” (What bites you is in your clothes)—a fitting reflection of Simba Queens’ 2024/2025 season. They matched JKT Queens stride for stride, finishing level on 47 points, only to be denied the title by the cruelest of margins: goal difference. Their campaign was a masterclass in consistency, yet those fine margins—a missed chance here, a conceded goal there—proved decisive.

A Season of Near-Misses

Simba Queens were unbeatable for long stretches, showcasing the kind of resilience that makes champions. Yet football, like life, rewards not just effort but precision. Their 2-0 victory over Alliance Girls in the final weeks kept their hopes alive, but earlier draws—like their hard-fought stalemates against mid-table sides—ultimately proved costly. Had just one of those matches been converted into wins, the trophy might have been theirs.

Where It Slipped Away

• Defensive Lapses: While strong at the back, they conceded 12 goals compared to JKT’s 7—a difference that told the story.

• Attack Just Short of Ruthless: Their 58 goals scored were impressive, but fell short of JKT’s 69. In a title race this tight, every goal counted.

• The Disciplinary Setback: The suspension of key staff after their clash with Mashujaa Queens disrupted their momentum at a critical stage.

The Psychological Weight of ‘Almost’

Losing a title on goal difference is a unique kind of heartbreak—one that lingers. It raises questions: Could we have pushed harder in that one game? Should we have taken more risks? Yet, it also fuels the fire for redemption. As another Swahili saying reminds us: “Kosa si kukosa, bali kukosa kujifunza kutoka kwa kosa.” (The mistake isn’t in failing, but in failing to learn from it.)

What Next for Simba Queens?

This near-miss must become motivation. With the same consistency and a sharper edge in front of goal, they have all the tools to go one better next season. The rivalry with JKT Queens is now the defining duel in Tanzanian women’s football—and 2025/2026 promises another epic chapter.

3. Yanga Princess: The Dark Horse That Roared

As the old Swahili saying goes, “Mwenye busara haachi kwao” (A wise person never abandons their homeground)—and Yanga Princess embodied this wisdom throughout the TWPL 2024/2025 season. Emerging as the league’s surprise package, the team clawed their way to an impressive third-place finish with 39 points, proving that determination and tactical intelligence can upset even the most established hierarchies.

The Rise of the Underdogs

Few expected Yanga Princess to challenge the dominance of JKT Queens and Simba Queens, but they defied expectations with grit and flair. Their campaign was a masterclass in resilience, particularly in tight matches where their ability to grind out results shone through. The disciplinary ruling that awarded them a 3-0 default win against Alliance Girls—after their opponents fielded an ineligible player—proved pivotal, giving them crucial points in a tightly contested mid-table scramble.

Key Factors in Their Success

• Tactical Flexibility: Unlike more rigid sides, Yanga Princess adapted their approach depending on the opponent, switching between defensive solidity and attacking verve.

• Clinical Finishing: While not as free-scoring as the top two, they made their chances count, with their strikers delivering in decisive moments.

• Mental Toughness: In games where they were outplayed, they dug deep—earning draws and narrow wins that kept them in the hunt.

The Turning Point: Alliance Controversy

The TFF’s ruling in their favour was contentious but underscored an important lesson: “Haba na haba hujaza kibaba” (Little by little fills the measure). Every point matters in football, and Yanga Princess capitalised on every opportunity—whether earned on the pitch or through off-field rulings.

What This Means for the Future

Yanga Princess have announced themselves as serious contenders in Tanzanian women’s football. If they can build on this season’s progress—adding depth to their squad and maintaining their tactical edge—they could soon challenge for the title itself.

For now, they stand as proof that in football, as in life, persistence, and adaptability can elevate the underestimated to greatness.

4. Mashujaa Queens: Steady Progress – The Art of Gradual Ascent

As the Tanzanian proverb wisely states, “Pole pole ndio mwendo” (Slowly, slowly is the way to go)—a philosophy that encapsulates perfectly Mashujaa Queens’ 2024/2025 TWPL campaign. While they may not have challenged for the title, their fourth-place finish with 31 points was a testament to their growing stature in Tanzanian women’s football. This was no flash in the pan, but rather a season of measured progress, built on resilience and tactical discipline.

A Season of Consolidation

Mashujaa Queens entered the season with a clear objective: to establish themselves as a top-tier side. Their 3-1 victory over Bunda Queens in the decisive final stretch exemplified their ability to deliver when it mattered most. Unlike more erratic mid-table rivals, they avoided dramatic slumps, instead grinding out results through organisation and teamwork.

Key Ingredients of Their Success

• Defensive Solidity: While not as watertight as JKT Queens, they conceded fewer goals than most mid-table sides, proving difficult to break down.

• Clinical in Key Moments: Their attackers may not have been prolific, but they scored when it counted, turning tight games into valuable wins.

• Mental Resilience: In matches where they were second-best, they often dug deep to salvage points, showcasing the kind of grit that defines upwardly mobile teams.

The Significance of Steady Growth

In a league where some clubs chase overnight success, Mashujaa Queens have taken the longer, smarter route. Their progress mirrors the Swahili saying, “Mguu wa kuku haumchomi kuku” (The chicken’s foot does not pierce the chicken itself)—meaning sustainable growth comes from working within one’s means. They haven’t splashed on big names but have instead built a cohesive unit that can compete with the best.

The Road Ahead

Now, the challenge is to bridge the gap to the top three. With shrewd recruitment and continued tactical evolution, they could soon be knocking on the door of the title contenders. For now, their fans can take pride in a season that proved consistency is its kind of brilliance.

5. Mid-Table Battles: Where Grit Meets Glory

As the Tanzanian proverb goes, “Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa” (One finger cannot crush a louse) – meaning true strength lies in collective effort. This captures perfectly the spirit of the mid-table warriors in this season’s TWPL. While the title race dominated headlines, teams like Alliance Girls, Ceasiaa Queens, and Fountain Gate Princess wrote their stories of perseverance, proving that success isn’t always measured in trophies.

The Unsung Heroes of the Season

These clubs embodied the essence of competitive football – too strong for the strugglers below them, yet not quite consistent enough to challenge the elite. Their campaigns were defined by:

• Moments of brilliance (like Fountain Gate’s ruthless 6-0 demolition of hapless Mlandizi Queens)

• Stubborn resistance against top teams

• Heartbreaking near-misses that could have lifted them higher

Fountain Gate Princess: The Mid-Table Juggernaut

Their 6-0 thrashing of Mlandizi wasn’t just a victory – it was a statement. When at their best, Fountain Gate played with:
✓ Flair in attack
✓ Discipline in defence
✓ A killer instinct missing from other mid-table sides

The Agony and Ecstasy of Mid-Table

For these teams, the season was a rollercoaster:

• Alliance Girls’ campaign was marred by their ineligible player scandal

• Ceasiaa Queens showed glimpses of real quality (like their 2-2 draw with Yanga Princess)

• All three teams had matches where they punched above their weight

Why This Is important for Tanzanian Football

As the Swahili saying reminds us: “Maji ukiyavulia nguo, huna budi kuyaogelea” (If you undress for water, you must swim). These teams have:
✔ Laid foundations for future success
✔ Proven the league’s growing depth
✔ Set standards for clubs below them

Their battles might not win trophies, but they win respect – and in football, that’s often the first step to greater things.

6. Relegation Heartbreak: When the Beautiful Game Turns Cruel

“Mganga hajigangi” (The healer cannot heal themselves), goes the Tanzanian proverb—a painful truth that Mlandizi Queens and Gets Program came to understand all too well this season. While the league celebrated its champions, these two sides endured the agony of relegation, their campaigns serving as stark reminders of football’s unforgiving nature.

Mlandizi Queens: A Season of Unrelenting Struggle

The numbers tell their own harrowing story:

• Just 1 point from 18 matches

• A goal difference of -52

• That 6-0 demolition by Fountain Gate Princess typifying their woes

This wasn’t merely poor form—it was a systemic collapse, with problems ranging from:

• Defensive fragility (conceding nearly 4 goals per game)

• Attacking impotence (scoring just 6 times all season)

• Psychological damage as defeats piled up

Gets Program: So Close Yet So Far

Their 10-point haul showed flickers of competitiveness, including:
✓ Memorable individual performances
✓ The occasional shock result
✓ More fight than their fellow strugglers

Yet when the dust settled, they fell short by:

• 4 points from safety

• Lacking consistency in crucial moments

• Failing to turn decent displays into points

Why Relegation Hurts Most in Tanzania

In a football culture where:

• Club budgets are tight

• Facilities often inadequate

• The gap between divisions is growing

…relegation isn’t just disappointment—it’s an existential threat. As another proverb warns: “Mwenye shiba haambiwi mwenye njaa alale” (The well-fed don’t tell the hungry to sleep). Those at the top rarely understand the struggle at the bottom.

The Road Back?

History shows Tanzanian clubs face immense challenges bouncing back:

• Player exodus becomes inevitable

• Sponsorships dry up

• Morale hits rock bottom

Yet if there’s hope, it lies in:
✔ Learning harsh lessons
✔ Rebuilding from the academy up
✔ Embracing the underdog spirit

7. The Title Decider: JKT Queens’ Coronation in Dodoma

“Mvua ikinyesha, maji hufuata mteremko” (When the rain falls, water takes its courses) – this Swahili adage perfectly captures how JKT Queens’ destiny became inevitable as they delivered a devastating 5-0 masterclass against Gets Program at Jamhuri Stadium. This wasn’t just a victory; it was a royal proclamation of their supremacy in Tanzanian women’s football.

A Performance Fit for Champions

The match unfolded like a footballing symphony, with JKT Queens demonstrating:

• Attacking Flair: Each goal came with ruthless efficiency, showcasing their varied threats

• Tactical Discipline: They controlled the game’s tempo like maestros

• Psychological Edge: The early goals broke Gets Program’s resistance completely

Why This Match Mattered

Beyond the scoreline, this victory:

1. Mathematically sealed their title claim

2. Highlighted the gulf between Tanzania’s best and the rest

3. Sent a warning to next season’s challengers

The Dodoma Fortress

Jamhuri Stadium has become:

• A cauldron of intimidation for visitors

• A stage for JKT’s finest performances

• The spiritual home of Tanzania’s new football royalty

What Makes True Champions?

As another Tanzanian saying reminds us: “Ukiona vyaelea, vimeundwa” (If you see things floating, they’ve been crafted). JKT’s dominance wasn’t accidental – it was built on:
✔ Meticulous planning
✔ Superior fitness
✔ Unmatched squad depth

The Legacy of This Performance

This 5-0 demolition will be remembered as:

• The moment the title race ended

• A benchmark for future champions

• Proof of JKT Queens’ era-defining quality

8. Controversy Strikes: When Deception Overshadows Football

“Mwizi wa mkate haachi kwa mkono mmoja” (A bread thief doesn’t stop at one hand) – this Tanzanian adage frames perfectly the Alliance Girls scandal that rocked the TWPL season. The revelation that they fielded an ineligible foreign player, Oruko Amutatai Noel, disguised under the local name Shamsa Julius, became more than just a rule infraction – it exposed uncomfortable truths about integrity in the beautiful game.

The Scandal That Shook Tanzanian Football

The Tanzania Football Federation’s (TFF) investigation revealed:

• Systematic Deception: This wasn’t a simple paperwork error, but a deliberate attempt to circumvent player registration rules

• Widespread Consequences: The forfeited 3-0 loss to Yanga Princess significantly altered the league’s mid-table dynamics

• Heavy Sanctions:
  ✓ TZS 500,000 fine for the club
  ✓ 2-year suspensions for manager Oliva Moshi and secretary Suzan Geofrey

Why This Cut So Deep

In Tanzania’s football culture, where:

• Local talent development is sacrosanct

• Limited resources make every point precious

• Trust in fair play forms the league’s foundation

…this scandal felt like a betrayal of core values. As another proverb warns: “Mwenye macho haambiwi tazama” (One with eyes doesn’t need to be told to look) – the message was clear for all clubs.

The Ripple Effects

Beyond the immediate penalties, this incident:

1. Damaged Alliance Girls’ reputation as a model women’s football program

2. Raised questions about vetting processes across the TWPL

3. Gave Yanga Princess an unexpected boost in their table position

A Lesson for Tanzanian Football

The TFF’s firm response proved “Samaki mkunje angali mbichi” (Bend the fish while still fresh) – addressing problems early prevents greater damage later. This scandal must become:
✔ A cautionary tale for club administrators
✔ A turning point for league regulations
✔ A reminder that shortcuts ultimately backfire

9. Simba Queens’ Meltdown: When Passion Crosses the Line

“Hasira hasara” (Anger brings loss) – this timeless Swahili adage encapsulates perfectly Simba Queens’ costly implosion during the TWPL run-in. What began as fierce title ambition unravelled in moments of madness, as assistant coach Mussa Mgosi and team leader Selemani Makanya crossed football’s sacred boundary by assaulting match officials, triggering consequences that may haunt the club for seasons to come.

The Incident That Changed Everything

In the heated aftermath of their clash with Mashujaa Queens:

• Makanya received a 6-month suspension + TZS 1.5 million fine

• Mgosi was banned for 3 matches + TZS 1.5 million fine

• The sanctions came just as they trailed JKT Queens by the slimmest of margins

Why This Cut Deeper Than Just Points

In Tanzania’s football culture, where:

• Respect for referees is considered sacrosanct

• Club leadership is expected to set examples

• Title races often hinge on psychological edges

…this meltdown wasn’t just about suspensions—it shattered the team’s moral authority when they needed composure most. As elders say: “Ukiona mwenzako anyolewa, kitasa chako wewe mwenyewe” (If you see your neighbor being shaved, prepare your head)—a warning about learning from others’ mistakes.

The Lasting Damage

Beyond the immediate table impact, this episode:
✔ Tarnished Simba’s reputation as a professionally run institution
✔ Demoralized players who had fought hard all season
✔ Gave opponents psychological ammunition for future clashes

A Watershed Moment for TWPL

The TFF’s harsh punishment sent an unambiguous message: “Vile unavyopiga mbuzi ndivyo ulivyokula ugali” (How you beat the goat determines how you’ll eat your ugali)—meaning actions have direct consequences. For women’s football’s growth in Tanzania:

• Player/coach conduct must match rising standards

• Emotional control separates contenders from champions

• Institutional discipline matters as much as talent

10. Disciplinary Shockwaves: When Justice Reshapes the Beautiful Game

“Haki hufuata mwenye kukimbia, lakini hataki mwenye kukimbiza” (Justice follows the one who runs, but won’t tolerate the one who evades it) – this Tanzanian wisdom captures the TFF’s uncompromising stance on discipline during the TWPL season. While their rulings upheld integrity, they also sparked fierce debate: did the pursuit of fairness accidentally distort the competition’s natural order?

The Rulings That Rocked the League

The TFF’s landmark decisions:
✔ Alliance Girls’ points deduction (3-0 forfeit to Yanga Princess)
✔ Simba Queens’ staff suspensions (6-month ban for Makanya)
✔ Heavy financial penalties (totalling millions of shillings)

The Unintended Consequences

While promoting fair play, these interventions:

• Catapulted Yanga Princess into unexpected title contention

• Derailed Simba Queens’ championship charge at a critical juncture

• Raised philosophical questions: Should off-field rulings so dramatically influence on-field outcomes?

Tanzania’s Football Culture at a Crossroads

In a nation where:

• Passion often borders on volatility

• Respect for authority is traditionally paramount

• The line between gamesmanship and cheating blurs

…the TFF faced an impossible balancing act. As the proverb goes: “Ukila kitoweo peke yako, utabebwa mzigo peke yako” (If you eat the relish alone, you’ll carry the burden alone) – emphasizing that those who break rules must bear consequences alone.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond this season’s controversies, the crackdown:
✔ Set crucial precedents for future campaigns
✔ Deterred potential malpractices across the league
✔ Proved no institution is above the law – not even title contenders

A Necessary Evil?

While purists argue titles should be won purely on merit, realists counter that unchecked misconduct taints all achievements. The TFF’s approach mirrors another adage: “Mganga wa kienyeji hajinyimi dawa” (A traditional healer doesn’t withhold medicine) – implying tough love was required to cure systemic ills.

11. The Rise of Women’s Football: Tanzania’s Silent Revolution

“Mwanamke ni nguzo ya jamii” (A woman is the pillar of society) – this Swahili adage has never rung truer than in the remarkable ascent of women’s football in Tanzania. The 2024/2025 TWPL season wasn’t just about goals and trophies; it marked a cultural shift, proving that the beautiful game knows no gender when it comes to passion, skill, and national pride.

A League Coming of Age

This season showcased:
✔ Record-breaking attendances at key fixtures
✔ Increased media coverage beyond token highlights
✔ Growing commercial interest from sponsors
✔ Unprecedented competitiveness across the table

Why This Is significant for Tanzania

In a sporting landscape where:

• Traditional gender roles are being challenged

• Young girls now have visible role models

• Communities rally behind local heroines

…the TWPL has become more than a league – it’s a movement. As another proverb says: “Akili ni mali” (Knowledge is wealth) – and the league is educating the nation on women’s potential.

The JKT Queens Effect

The champions’ dominance has:

• Set new performance benchmarks

• Produced players for the national team

• Inspired academies across Dodoma

Where Growth Must Happen

While progress is undeniable, true equality requires:
✓ Equal training facilities with men’s teams
✓ Better wages to retain top talent
✓ Prime-time broadcasting of matches

The Future is Bright

With each derby played and record broken, Tanzanian women are writing their football history. The adage “Maji ya kifufu ni bahari ya chungu” (The water in a coconut shell can become an ocean) reminds us that today’s modest beginnings can become tomorrow’s tidal wave of success.

12. Relegation Realities: Can Mlandizi and Gets Program Rise From the Ashes?

“Mgongo wa upwa hauzai tena” (A broken back doesn’t bear again) – this piercing Swahili adage frames the existential challenge facing Mlandizi Queens and Gets Program after their TWPL relegation. Their demotion isn’t merely a setback; it’s a brutal test of institutional resilience in Tanzania’s increasingly competitive women’s football landscape.

The Depth of the Fall

For Mlandizi Queens (1 point):

• A season of historic futility (-52 goal difference)

• Systemic failures in recruitment and coaching

• Psychological scars that may linger

For Gets Program (10 points):

• Glimmers of promise amidst the struggle

• Narrow margins deciding their fate (4 points from safety)

• Questions about squad depth and financial backing

Tanzania’s Harsh Relegation Realities

In a football ecosystem where:

• Second-tier infrastructure remains underdeveloped

• Sponsor interest plummets for non-Premier League sides

• Player exodus becomes inevitable

…rebounding requires more than determination. As elders warn: “Mwenye njaa hana miko” (The hungry person has no taboos) – survival may demand uncomfortable changes.

Three Paths to Redemption

1. Structural Overhaul

   • Academy investment to grow future talent

   • Professionalizing management structures

2. Financial Reinvention

   • Securing new revenue streams

   • Building community ownership models

3. Psychological Reset

   • Learning from JKT Queens’ disciplined approach

   • Adopting “Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa” (One finger can’t crush a louse) – emphasizing collective effort

The Bigger Picture for TWPL

Their potential return isn’t just about two clubs – it’s about:
✔ Maintaining competitive depth in the league
✔ Proving the pyramid’s health
✔ Validating Tanzania’s women’s football growth

13. The Crown Under Threat: JKT Queens’ Title Defence Looms Large

“Kilema cha mwenyezi ni kiumbe shujaa” (The Creator’s flaw is making ambitious creatures) – this Tanzanian adage perfectly captures the monumental challenge awaiting JKT Queens as they prepare to defend their TWPL crown. With rivals sharpening their knives and history showing how difficult back-to-back titles are to achieve, the 2025/2026 season promises a royal battle for supremacy.

The Weight of Expectation

JKT Queens’ dominance last season set a new standard in Tanzanian women’s football:
✔ Record-breaking 69 goals
✔ Near-impenetrable defence (7 conceded)
✔ A perfect blend of youth and experience

But as the Swahili saying goes, “Mshindi wa jana ni mshindwa wa kesho” (Yesterday’s winner is tomorrow’s loser). Complacency is their greatest enemy.

The Challengers Looming Large

1. Simba Queens – Smarting from their goal-difference heartbreak, they will come back hungrier, wiser, and potentially more ruthless.

2. Yanga Princess – The season’s dark horse, now battle-hardened and boosted by their controversial 3-0 awarded win, will believe they can go one better.

3. Mashujaa Queens – Steady progress suggests they could evolve into genuine contenders with the right reinforcements.

The Key to Sustained Success

For JKT Queens to remain on top, they must:

• Strengthen squad depth to handle injuries and fatigue

• Evolve tactically to counter opponents who will now study them meticulously

• Maintain mental edge – the pressure of being champions is different from being challengers

A League on the Rise

The TWPL is no longer a one-horse race. As “Ukiona vya mwenye macho, vimeundwa” (If you see things floating, they’ve been crafted) reminds us, success is earned, not given. The 2025/2026 season will test whether JKT Queens are truly a dynasty in the making or if a new force will rise to claim the throne.

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Conclusion: A Season Carved in History – Where Triumph Meets Redemption

“Mchezo wa kuigwa si wa kushindwa” (The game is meant to be emulated, not just won) – this timeless Tanzanian adage encapsulates perfectly the legacy of the TWPL 2024/2025 season. Beyond the glittering trophies and shattered records, this campaign was a masterclass in resilience, exposing both the breathtaking potential and lingering challenges of women’s football in Tanzania.

A Tapestry of Footballing Drama

This season gifted us:
✔ JKT Queens’ ruthless dominance – a blueprint for excellence
✔ Simba Queens’ agonising near-miss – proving fine margins define legends
✔ Yanga Princess’ rise – the underdog story that inspired a nation
✔ Heartbreaking relegation battles – a reminder of football’s cruel realities

Yet amidst the brilliance, the controversies – from ineligible players to disciplinary meltdowns – served as stark reminders of the Swahili proverb: “Ukuta wa maji hauzuii mtu kuvuka” (A wall of water won’t stop someone from crossing). Meaning: Rules without integrity are meaningless.

The Unanswered Question

As the dust settles, Tanzania’s football community now ponders:

• Can JKT Queens build a dynasty?

• Will Simba Queens’ hunger overcome their heartbreak?

• Could Yanga Princess or another challenger rise?

The Bigger Picture

This season wasn’t just about 90-minute matches – it was about:
✓ Changing perceptions of women’s football
✓ Inspiring the next generation of Tanzanian girls
✓ Proving that with proper investment, TWPL can compete continentally

As we close this chapter, remember another wisdom: “Maji ya kifufu yanavyozidi, ndivyo yanavyotawanyika” (As water in a shell increases, so does its spillage). The TWPL’s growth must now overflow into better facilities, wages, and visibility – or risk losing its momentum.

Tanzania Media