Man United legend Rio Ferdinand has backed Simba SC playmaker Clatous Chama’s spectacular Kariakoo Derby strike to challenge for this season’s FIFA Puskas Award after the former England defender arrived in Tanzania for a three-day tour focused on promoting sports and tourism.
Ferdinand touched down at Julius Nyerere International Airport on Tuesday to a colourful reception led by Tanzania’s Sports Minister Paul Makonda and Tanzania Football Federation president Wallace Karia, alongside other government officials and football stakeholders.
The former Manchester United centre-back, widely regarded as one of the finest defenders of his generation, did not hide his admiration for Chama’s sensational goal against Young Africans in the fiercely contested Kariakoo Derby.
“This could win the goal of the season in the world, this is unbelievable,” Ferdinand said while reacting to footage of the strike that has continued to dominate football conversations across the continent.
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Man United legend Rio Ferdinand backs Simba SC star Clatous Chama for Puskas Award
The goal came in the ninth minute of the derby and instantly became one of the most talked-about moments in African football this season. Chama initiated the attacking move before linking up with Congolese midfielder Elie Mpanzu, who delicately chipped the ball back into his path inside the penalty area.
With his back facing goal and his eyes locked on the dropping ball, the Zambian international produced an outrageous acrobatic flick that left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot before nestling into the back of the net.
The breathtaking finish stunned supporters inside the stadium and helped Simba secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against rivals Young Africans.
Chama was at the heart of Simba’s attacking display throughout the contest, providing the assist for Libasse Gueye’s goal before adding the spectacular second that has since gone viral on global football platforms.
The 34-year-old attacking midfielder’s effort has been widely shared by major international media outlets and celebrated by fans across the world, but Ferdinand’s endorsement has now elevated the conversation surrounding the goal to another level.
Ferdinand also praised the football culture in Tanzania after receiving a warm welcome from local supporters upon his arrival.
“Tanzanians love football and I am happy to see the passion they have for the sport. I will cooperate with the government and football stakeholders to help elevate the game,” he said.
Beyond the excitement surrounding Chama’s wonder strike, Ferdinand’s visit is also expected to focus on football development and Tanzania’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will co-host.
The former defender is scheduled to travel to Dodoma aboard the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), where he will attend a parliamentary session before heading to Serengeti National Park. He will later inspect AFCON 2027 infrastructure projects in Arusha before concluding his visit in Dar es Salaam.
Ferdinand further revealed that he had already engaged government officials in discussions aimed at strengthening football structures in Tanzania.
“Although I retired from playing, I am still part of the football ecosystem and I want to support Tanzania in achieving greater success and becoming a powerhouse in football,” he said.
His visit has already generated excitement among football fans in Tanzania just days after Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan invited football legend Didier Drogba to serve as an Ambassador ahead of the Pamoja 2027AFC0N that will be co-hosted by Kenya ,Uganda and Tanzania with many hopeful that the presence of global football icons can help shine a brighter spotlight on the country’s rapidly growing football scene ahead of the