Sudanese side Al-Hilal set to join Tanzanian league
The club will attempt to "distract people from war" by joining the Tanzanian Super League
OMDURMAN — Sudan Premier League champions Al-Hilal Club will temporarily join the Tanzania Super League, they announced this week. Sudan's football activities have been halted by the outbreak of a bloody civil war that has claimed 33,000 casualties and displaced over eight million people. However, Al-Hilal hopes to play for their fans to keep the morale high in the face of such dire times.
Al-Hilal is one of the most prolific teams in Sudan, boasting 29 Premier League titles and eight Sudan Cups. They participated in this year’s CAF Champions League, playing their “home games” in Tanzania instead of Omdurman.
Officials were optimistic about moving to Tanzania. "We have preferred Tanzania because football there is very progressive and competitive, and we would like to be well prepared for the next competition at the African level," Al Hilal Secretary General Dr. Hassan Ali stated.
Sudan has suffered from a very violent civil war that has been labeled “one of the worst humanitarian nightmares in recent history.” General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, commander of the SAF, and General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the RSF, have been deadlocked in a vicious power struggle after plans for a democratically elected government fell apart.
There has been heavy shelling in Nyala and Omdurman, with SAF occupying Al-Hilal Stadium. Nearly 30% of Sudan’s population faces acute food insecurity, while the violence, civil unrest, and crimes against humanity have forced many to flee their homes.
Al-Hilal’s switch to Tanzania is linked to a desire to keep their foreign players and staff, including coach Florent Ibengé and exciting right-winger Pape Abdou N’diaye. They will be on the schedule and will play as normal members of the league, but their results will count as friendlies.
The club also says it will cost $4 million to rebuild their stadium, which was looted by members of the SAF. Al-Hilal rivals Al Merreikh are also looking for a home. They’re expected to join Tanzania but are considering Libya, Uganda, Ghana, and more.