Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Simba SC attacking midfielder Clatous Chama for the spectacular goal he scored against Yanga in the Tanzanian Premier League derby.
Ferdinand, who is currently in Tanzania on the invitation of the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Paul Makonda, said the goal has the quality to compete for the FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal in the world.
“It’s a beautiful goal and it could even win the world’s best goal award,” Ferdinand said.
Meanwhile, Simba’s Head of Information and Communications Ahmed Ally praised journalist Meena Ally following her interview with Ferdinand, during which she asked him about Chama’s goal that has dominated football discussions in Tanzania.
Ahmed Ally said the interview focused on major current football topics and praised Meena Ally’s professionalism and presentation skills.
Through a social media post, Ahmed also took playful jabs at Simba’s rivals Yanga while emphasizing the impact of Chama’s goal.
“The nation needs journalists like Meena Ally — with great composure, excellent communication skills, the ability to speak multiple languages fluently, and most importantly, understanding what the audience wants.”
“The interview focused on one of the key principles of journalism: current affairs. Right now, the biggest football story in Tanzania is Chama’s goal.”
“By recognizing that, Meena asked Rio Ferdinand about the goal, and that’s why Rio wanted to know when it happened. He understood it was a major current topic.”
“Rio’s visit gained even more attention after he spoke about Chama’s goal because it is currently the biggest football conversation in the country.”
“Congratulations Meena Ally, you are a hero of this nation.”
Ahmed Ally went on to say that Chama’s goal has gone beyond being just a Simba moment, arguing that it is now promoting Tanzanian football on the international stage.
“At this point, Chama’s goal is no longer just about Simba — it’s a national story. It is being discussed on a global level.”
“The goal is promoting Tanzania, the Tanzanian league, and the Kariakoo Derby.”
He ended his remarks with another light-hearted message directed at Yanga supporters, referencing a goal scored by their captain Bakari Mwamnyeto.
“Our brothers should not be upset. Your captain Beka also scored a beautiful goal — let your journalist Ambokile take that one to Rio Ferdinand too.”
