When vendors of Mbagala Market saw that their region was not represented at the top flight, and there was abundant talent in the area, which was being siphoned by other regional super powers, the vendors decided it was time they saw their kids grow up and challenge the best of the country.

With little or no support, under Jamal Kisongo Mbagala Market was formed from what was a part time social team into a competitive team, which quickly grew in the minds of residents of Mbagala (most populated suburb of the commercial capital of Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam).

Mbagala Market kept growing in popularity, and socially became a household name, of which Mbagla residents were proud of, beating the best teams in it’s division, giving a sigh of relief that infact it was possible for unknown stars to make an impact.

Commitment and forward thinking was the way forward, for the team loved by the common man of Mbagala, which extended it’s wings over the south of Dar Es Salaam, uniting Temeke and southerners from Kigamboni into becoming the team from three suburbs, Temeke, Mbagala and Temeke (TMK).

Having failed to qualify for the top flight on two occasions by a single point, the teams stature outgrew it’s owners and members who decided it was time they got a serious investor, who can only take the team forward, and having accepted that it was becoming difficult under the circumstances to run the club on donations from the vendors, the team was taken over by a formidable partnership of Vipul Kakad and Shabaan Nyaa who were employee of METL Group of Companies.

The partners have vast experience in club matters, as the METL Group had appointed them to look over sponsorship affairs when METL group was sponsoring top flight Simba sports club in the countries most successful sponsorship package.

Having the support of METL Group CEO Hon. Mohammed Dewji (MP), and company’s sponsorship Mbagala Market transformation was in the dawn.

Mbagala Market changed it’s name to a more professional name AFRICAN LYON was born on 10th November, 2008, under the stewardship of Vipul Kakad and Shabaan Nyaa, who received support from the vendor to the old leadership of Jamal Kisongo in competing in the First Division and finishing the first group stage unbeaten.

The priority is now to represent the Mbagala residents in the top flight for the first time since independence, and then to challenge the regional and continental accolades.

African Lyon promises to be a modern administered club, a first for Tanzania, with goals of remaining a fierce competitor of the pitch, upholding social responsibilities, sportsman’s spirit.