Ghanaian midfielder Emmanuel Keyekeh has been granted Tanzanian citizenship less than a year after moving to the East African nation, making him eligible to represent the Tanzanian national football team, the Taifa Stars.
The Tanzania Immigration Department confirmed the development in a statement signed by Senior Superintendent Paul Msele. Keyekeh, who currently plays for Tanzanian top-flight side Singida Black Stars, along with two other foreign-based players—Josephat Arthur Bada (Ivory Coast) and Muhamed Damaro Camara (Guinea)—have met all legal requirements for naturalisation under Tanzanian law.
“The named players applied for and were granted citizenship in accordance with sections 9 and 23 of the Tanzanian Citizenship Act, Chapter 357,” the statement read. “The Immigration Department would like to inform the public that the individuals mentioned are now Tanzanian citizens by naturalisation.”
Singida Black Stars spokesperson Hussein Masanza clarified that while the club supported the players throughout the application process, matters of citizenship are beyond their jurisdiction.
“As a football club, we have no authority to change anyone’s citizenship. The players followed all legal processes, and we respected their choice,” Masanza stated.
Before his move to Tanzania, Keyekeh played for Karela United and Asante Kotoko, where his impact was limited. He later joined Samartex, helping the club win the Ghana Premier League before making his move to Singida Black Stars.
