Miriam Odemba Foundation Sponsors Friendly Match to Promote Youth Unity Through Sports

By Charles Mkoka

The Miriam Odemba Foundation has sponsored a friendly football match between members of the Journalists’ Union for Development and Welfare (JUMIKITA) and a team from Middo Store, as part of its ongoing commitment to youth engagement and social cohesion through sports.

Raykhan, a representative of the Miriam Odemba Foundation, addresses the press following the match between Journalists and Middo Store in Dar Es Salaam

Speaking on behalf of the foundation, staff member and representative Raykhan said the initiative was aimed at fostering strong relationships and encouraging unity among young people, values that the foundation hopes will be emulated by others.

“As a foundation, we’re committed to building good relationships with everyone. We were truly delighted to participate in strengthening ties with the media community and other institutions,” Raykhan said.

Representing international model and foundation founder Miriam Odemba, Rimaly Odemba—who also captained the Middo Store team—commended both sides for showing high spirits and healthy competition.

“A 4–2 result is a clear sign that the game was lively and competitive from both sides. I congratulate all players for their sportsmanship. We look forward to more events like this soon,” he added.

From the JUMIKITA team, defender Noveth Mhagama praised the match for energizing youth and offering a meaningful distraction from negative social influences.

“This match not only brought excitement but also created a strong bond between players. It was more than just a game—it was a step toward youth empowerment and unity,” Mhagama noted.

The match, played at the GSM Grounds in Mikocheni B, Dar es Salaam, comes ahead of the foundation’s upcoming maternal outreach campaign set for July 25, which aims to support pregnant women and new mothers in health centers across the region.

Other participating journalists also applauded their opponents for the spirited performance and expressed readiness for a rematch.

“There is joy in sports. This match reminded us of that—it wasn’t about who won or lost, but about playing together,” said Mawinza, who captained the JUMIKITA side.

The foundation, led by Tanzanian supermodel Miriam Odemba, who is currently based in Paris, continues to use platforms like sports and social outreach to connect with communities, empower women and youth, and drive positive change across Tanzania.