Haruna among highest paid players in Tz Premier League

Rwanda national team captain Haruna Niyonzima is the highest paid player in the Tanzania Mainland Premier League, according to research by Tanzanian newspaper, Mwanasporti.

Friday, October 11, 2013
Haruna Niyonzima is not only one of the highest paid players in Tanzania but also the most popular among Yanga fans. Times Sport/ File.

Rwanda national team captain Haruna Niyonzima is the highest paid player in the Tanzania Mainland Premier League, according to research by Tanzanian newspaper, Mwanasporti.The former Etincelles, Rayon Sport and APR player-maker Niyonzima, who plays for Tanzanian champions Yanga earns TSh4 million, (about Rwf2m) in monthly wages.  Twelve other players from Tanzania’s top three clubs, Yanga, Simba and Azam, earn the same amount.Mwanasporti’s research covers all 14 clubs competing in the Mainland Premier League, and it reveals that the leading clubs; Azam, Yanga and Simba pay far more than the rest.However, out of the 13 highest paid players, who all earn Rwf2 million each (or more depending on one’s contract), Azam has 10, Yanga two and Simba one.Alongside Niyonzima in the highest earners’ group, are Ivory Coast forward Kipre Tchetche, midfielder Kipre Balou, Tanzanian defender Aggrey Morris, striker John Bocco and Ugandan striker Brian Umony (Azam).Another Rwandan international and former APR defender Mbuyu Twite, who also plays for Yanga, is paid a reported Tsh3.6 million (about Rwf1. 8m) per month.Other notable high end earners in the Tanzania league is Ugandan international goalkeeper Abeil Dhaira and Ugandan forward Joseph Owino, both of Simba SC, who get paid Tsh3.3m (about Rwf1.5m) a month.Tanzanian international winger, Yanga Mrisho Ngassa, a one time APR target, earns Tsh2.5 million.  According to the report that followed the research, the amount quoted is the players’ net salary.