Football in Zanzibar: Complete Guide to Local League, Tulia Football Club and Matches You Should See

🧤 Football as Part of Zanzibari Life

Zanzibar is famous for its white sandy beaches, spices, and unique culture. But what many visitors don’t know is that football here is just as much a part of daily life as the ocean itself. From official league matches to spontaneous games on the beach, football on the island is more than just a sport, it is a way of life. On the streets you will see countless people wearing football shirts, most of them from European clubs, and locals have an impressive knowledge of European football.

📖 History and Structure

Zanzibar has its own football federation (Zanzibar Football Federation – ZFF). The federation organizes the local league system known as the Zanzibar Premier League. Zanzibar is not a member of FIFA. In 2017 CAF granted Zanzibar full membership, but the decision was later reversed and today ZFF holds only associate status within the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This status means Zanzibari clubs can participate in some CAF club competitions, but the national team cannot take part in official FIFA tournaments.

⚽️ Zanzibar Premier League

The top division in Zanzibar is known as the Zanzibar Premier League, also called the PBZ Premier League. The league usually consists of 16 clubs.

Some of the most successful and popular teams are:

• KMKM SC – the most successful club with nine league titles.

• Mlandege FC – a historic team with a strong following.

• JKU SC – a competitive club connected with the Zanzibar army.

• Mafunzo FC – another regular contender in the top flight.

The current confirmed clubs in the Zanzibar Premier League according to the Zanzibar Football Federation are:

Black Sailors, JKU, JNGMBE, Kipanga, Kisiwani, KMKM, KVZ, Macho, Mafunzo, Malindi, Mlandege, Polisi, Selem View, Uhamiaji, Yosso and Zimamoto.

The winner of the league sometimes qualifies for continental tournaments such as the CAF Confederation Cup.

🏟️ Stadiums and Atmosphere

The heart of football in Zanzibar is Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar City, which can hold more than 15,000 fans. It was opened in 1970. But many unforgettable moments happen on smaller community fields, where matches bring together entire neighborhoods. The atmosphere is passionate, colorful, and welcoming, a must see for any football fan visiting the island.

🏆 Mapinduzi Cup

Every January, Zanzibar hosts the Mapinduzi Cup, a tournament that features teams from both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania, and sometimes from neighboring East African countries. It is one of the highlights of the football calendar on the island and an important part of football in Zanzibar. The most successful club in the competition is Azam FC, which has won the cup five times.

Official sources:

• Zanzibar FA – Mapinduzi Cup 2025

• Zanzibar FA – Opening of Mapinduzi Cup 2025

• Global Sports Archive – Mapinduzi Cup

💡 Tips for Visitors

• Where to watch – Amaan Stadium for official matches, or local fields for community games.

• Tickets – usually cheap and sold directly at the gate.

• Experience – matches are safe, friendly, and full of energy.

🔮 The Future of Football in Zanzibar

Challenges remain with funding, infrastructure, and the lack of FIFA membership. Yet football continues to grow, supported by passionate fans, young talent, and the visibility that tourism brings.

☄️ Football Beyond the League

Outside the professional league, football is everywhere in Zanzibar. Children play barefoot on the beaches, adults organize evening games in villages, and tourists are often invited to join in. These spontaneous matches show the true spirit of the game on the island. And even we at Tulia have our own football club, proudly carrying our name on the pitch.

❤️ Tulia FC

At Tulia we are proud to have our own football team Tulia FC. Almost every Saturday our players take the field against teams from other hotel resorts. Matches are played in two halves of thirty minutes with a short break in between. Sometimes however kick off is delayed and in order to finish the game before darkness falls there is no half time break at all.

These games are not only about football but also about community, fun and sharing unforgettable moments with local players and other resorts.

🏟️ Football Pitches in Zanzibar

When it comes to football in Zanzibar the experience is very different from what many visitors know from home. The pitches used for our Tulia FC friendly matches do not have floodlights which means all games must be finished before sunset.

The pitches themselves are often far from perfect. Sometimes the grass is high and the ground extremely uneven. It is remarkable to watch how local players manage to control the ball with such skill under these conditions. On some pitches the bumps are so big that when a player stands at the opposite corner flag you cannot see him from the knees down.

For anyone passionate about football in Zanzibar attending one of these matches is a unique and unforgettable experience. Games take place on different pitches around the island. Sometimes just ten minutes away other times up to forty minutes. The team and our guests travel together in our own Tulia bus which itself is part of the adventure.

💡 Tip: Want to know more about getting around? Check out Bolt in Zanzibar.

🤔 Conclusion

Football in Zanzibar is raw, authentic, and full of life. Whether you watch a league match at Amaan Stadium or a beach game at sunset, you’ll see why the sport is at the heart of the island’s culture.