Albino United Soccer Team

Albino United Soccer Team

Oscacr Haule is a Tanzanian businessman. He's not an albino, but he has a vision for albinos. He wants the world to recognize that albinos are just like everybody else; they can do what others do; they are human beings and should not be killed. He decided that this message could be best spread by example and exposure- and in a world fueled for so many by soccer, what better way than a soccer team with albino players?

I first met the team on November 1st. They were meeting to elect committee members. Under 'the meeting tree' on the grounds of ORCI near the TAS office, the team went round and round of nomination and election process. They used the Tanzanian parliamentary election standard for voting. Watching the process I was struck by two things. The first, how serious they were about the process, and the second, how excited and proud they were.

The team was originally called the Albino Magic Team. At that meeting I suggested that they perhaps they reconsider the name. My concern was that since one of the factors contributing to albino killings is the belief that albinos have supernatural and magical powers, having the name Albino Magic Team would be sending the wrong message. They agreed and asked for my suggestion. Since unity is the goal, I suggested 'Albino United' and also jokingly said they'd be like Man United (who are also very popular here). They liked it and are now Albino United.

The teams' first big match had been played at the National Stadium against a Parliamentary team. The match was organized on a day when 2 of Tanzania's main teams were playing and the stadium held 70,000 fans. The Albino team went down 2-0. A score they're working hard not to repeat. Every evening they train on a sandy vacant space across the road form the ORCI/TAS facility. The goal posts are rickety and makeshift- made from branches tied together and a variety of string knotted together for the crossbar. Some of the team has football boots, others play in regular shoes and one or two are barefoot. They were a collection of jerseys- some donated and others their own. One thing they do have is team spirit. Being part of the team is a big motivator. It is empowering them to represent and spread their message.

Albino United is seeking Sponsorship to help spread that message. (Contact information can be provided to interested sponsors).