Dar es Salaam, August 11, 2025 – Tanzania has made history in African football, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) selecting two of the nation’s most celebrated legends—Abdalla Mputa and Sunday Manara—as official draw assistants for the 2025/26 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
The preliminary round draw, scheduled for Saturday, August 9, 2025, will take place at Azam Media studios in Dar es Salaam—marking the first time Tanzania hosts this prestigious CAF event.
Abdalla Mputa remains a towering figure in Tanzanian football history, celebrated for his on-field excellence and leadership in shaping the sport’s growth, while Sunday “Kompyuta” Manara, Tanzania’s first professional footballer in Europe, made waves in the late 1970s with Heracles Almelo in the Netherlands, paving the way for future generations.
Their roles in the ceremony reflect CAF’s commitment to honouring African football’s heritage while shining a spotlight on Tanzania’s rich contribution to the game.
Key Dates for the CAF 2025/26 Season
- Preliminary Round Draw: August 9, 2025 – Dar es Salaam
- First Preliminary Round: Sept 19–21 (first leg), Sept 26–28 (second leg)
- Second Preliminary Round: Oct 17–19 (first leg), Oct 24–26 (second leg)
- Group Stage: Nov 21–23, 2025 through Feb 13–15, 2026
- Knockout Rounds: Quarter-finals in March 2026, Finals in May 2026
