7 footballers among hundreds killed in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Mwanza after Tanzania poll

Seven young football players under Viral Scout Management have been confirmed dead following violent unrest that erupted across Tanzania after the disputed general election.

In a statement shared on the agency’s verified X account, the Dar es Salaam-based sports consultancy expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and called for justice.

The statement read, “Viral Scout Management is heartbroken to announce the devastating loss of seven promising young football talents under our management: Rajabu Rajab (17), Anthony Rico (18), Abdulqareem Ali (16), Peter Eliya (19), Mshani Musa (17), Omar Musa (15), and John Hosea (22).

These vibrant players were gunned down in senseless acts of violence at their homes in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, and Mwanza.”

**VIRAL SCOUT MANAGEMENT OFFICIAL STATEMENT**

**Condemnation of the Tragic Killings of Our Young Talents**

Viral Scout Management is heartbroken to announce the devastating loss of seven promising young football talents under our management: Rajabu Rajab (17), Anthony Rico… pic.twitter.com/s0HNkZ1alu

— VIRAL SCOUT MANAGEMENT (@scout_viral) November 3, 2025

The management strongly condemned the killings of both civilians and players, describing the incident as a tragic loss for Tanzanian football.

“No one deserves to have their dreams stolen in such a brutal manner,” the statement added.

The agency reaffirmed its motto, “There is no pressure when you are making dreams come true,” as it paid tribute to the young talents whose lives were cut short.

Attached to the post was a tribute flier showing a white dove and burning candles, designed in an obituary style with the words Official Statement written across it.

The announcement drew widespread reactions on social media, many appearing to come from Kenyan accounts based on the locations pinned to their profiles.

With internet and social media access heavily restricted across Tanzania, many citizens remain offline and unable to engage publicly.

User @Oprono77 wrote, “Democracy turned to terrorism,” sharing a front page of The Standard newspaper dated 4 November 2025, headlined “A Bloody Crown.”

Another user, @TisiniTech, posted, “Our sincere condolences go out to Viral Scout Management and the families of the seven talented young players tragically lost. This is a profound loss for Tanzanian football. May they rest in peace."

The incident occurred a day after President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in for another term on 3 November 2025, following a tense and highly contested election.

Authorities in Tanzania have yet to issue an official response regarding the reported killings.