Azam FC goalkeeper Iddy Salim dies suddenly after bodaboda accident in Tanzania
By Steve Ireri, September 11, 2026Tanzanian football club Azam FC has been plunged into mourning following the death of its U-20 goalkeeper Iddy Salim, who died in a motorcycle accident on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
The club confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement on Friday, September 11, 2026, saying Salim had lost his life following the accident, as it sent condolences to his family, relatives, friends and everyone affected by his death.
“Azam FC tunasikitika kutangaza kifo cha kipa wetu wa timu ya vijana ‘U-20’, Iddy Salim, aliyefariki dunia kwa ajali ya pikipiki jana Alhamisi,” the club said.
Azam FC said Salim’s body was at Mwananyamala Regional Referral Hospital in Dar es Salaam, where final procedures were being carried out before his remains would be transported to his home in Tanga for burial.
The club also joined Salim’s family in mourning the young goalkeeper, asking God to give them strength and fortitude as they come to terms with the devastating loss.
“Aidha tunaungana na familia ya marehemu na tunamuomba Mwenyezi Mungu, awajalie nguvu na uvumilivu katika kipindi hiki kigumu,” Azam FC said.
The club concluded its message with the Islamic condolence phrase, “Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi raji’un.”
Premier Tanzanian club
Azam FC has built a reputation in Tanzania for investing heavily in its youth academy, scouting and nurturing young footballers through different age groups before giving promising talents a pathway into senior football.
The club’s youth structure includes teams ranging from the lower age categories through to the U-20 level, providing a platform for young players to develop their football careers while also receiving support in their education.
Salim was part of that development structure as a goalkeeper for the club’s U-20 team before his life was tragically cut short.
His death has therefore left the club mourning a young footballer whose career was still in its formative stages, with his passing depriving his teammates, coaches and the wider Azam FC family of one of its young talents.
The Dar es Salaam-based club was established in 2004 and has grown rapidly under the backing of the Bakhresa Group, becoming renowned for its investment in football infrastructure, player development and professional management.
Its home is the Azam Complex in Chamazi, a modern sports facility that has become one of the most prominent football development centres in Tanzania.
The club has also enjoyed considerable success on the pitch, including winning the Tanzanian Premier League title in the 2013/14 season.
Azam FC has additionally won domestic and regional honours, including the Mapinduzi Cup and the CECAFA Kagame Cup, further establishing its status as one of East Africa’s prominent football clubs.
Much of the club’s long-term strategy, however, has centred on developing players from its own youth system, making its academy an important part of its identity