In the closing stages of the 2025/26 NBC Premier League season, foreign goalkeepers are continuing to make a strong impact in Tanzanian football, with Young Africans (Yanga) shot-stopper Djigui Diarra leading the clean-sheet standings.

The Malian goalkeeper has recorded 13 clean sheets, placing him at the top of the rankings and reinforcing his reputation as one of the most dependable keepers in the region.

Close behind him is Simba SC’s Nigerien goalkeeper Mohamedou Kassaly with 12 clean sheets, while Azam FC’s Tanzanian international Aishi Manula follows with 11.Rwanda’s Jean Noel of TRA United completes the top four with 10 clean sheets.

Notably, all leading positions are occupied by foreign goalkeepers, showing a growing reliance by Tanzanian clubs on imported talent to strengthen defensive performance.

This trend is not new, as seen in the 2024/25 season when Simba’s Guinean goalkeeper Moussa Camara led with 19 clean sheets, while Diarra finished second with 17.The highest-ranked local goalkeeper then was Patrick Mntalai with 12 clean sheets.

The current season also highlights how top clubs like Yanga, Simba, and Azam benefit from strong defensive setups, which have been crucial in their title challenges.Diarra’s influence at Yanga has been especially important, providing leadership, stability, and consistency in goal.

Despite the dominance of foreign goalkeepers, local players such as Aishi Manula, Zuberi Foba, Yona Amos, Ramadhani Chalamanda, and Mlussa Mbisa continue to compete strongly.

The clean-sheet race reflects both the growing competitiveness of the league and the increasing role of international players in shaping outcomes in Tanzanian football.