Ghanaian midfielder Emmanuel Keyekeh
Ghanaian midfielder Emmanuel Keyekeh has been granted Tanzanian citizenship less than a year after moving to the East African country, making him eligible to represent the national team, the Taifa Stars.
This was confirmed by the Tanzania Immigration Department in a statement signed by Senior Superintendent Paul Msele.
Keyekeh, who plays for Tanzanian topflight side Singida Black Stars and two other foreign-based players are said to have met all legal requirements for naturalisation under Tanzanian law.
The others are Josephat Arthur Bada (Ivory Coast) and Muhamed Damaro Camara (Guinea).
“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 said 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.
Keyekeh played for Karela United before his high-profile move to Asante Kotoko where he failed to glitter.
He later got transferred to Samartex where he helped the club to win the Ghana Premier League.
