Sunderland signs up Tanzania team-mate

The club already shares strong relationships in Tanzania and has formed a partnership with Acacia Mining plc, supporting its sports projects in communities across the north west region of the country.

It will work with clubs for eight to 10 weeks a year delivering its corporate social responsibility programmes.

SAFC’s commercial director, Gary Hutchinson, said: “We have already implemented a number of significant community-based work across Africa, with particular emphasis on Tanzania, and the club is making great progress in developing its international reputation.

“Building these positive relationships, from both a business and community perspective, are helping us to spread the message of Sunderland AFC, while making a tangible difference to local communities.” The firm’s vice-president of corporate affairs, Deo Mwanyika, said: “We all know how important sport and particularly football can be for helping to develop key life skills and we will, with Sunderland, develop a group of young coaches who will help ensure that grassroots football flourishes and continues to impact young girls and boys in the Lake Zone for years to come.

“Sunderland will also work with Stand United to help build solid links to grassroots football in the region.”

The partnership will also support work to ensure girls and women can learn and understand the importance of completing their secondary education.