.As Everton plays Gor Mahia
Wayne Rooneygania has gripped East Africa as England’s record goal-scorer makes his first appearance for Everton since his return to the side at a historic match shortly in Tanzania.
Rooney has been the centre of attention since Everton flew into Tanzania on Wednesday for a friendly.
“Rooney, Rooney, Rooney,” fans chanted as the team bus arrived at their hotel.
Tanzania’s vice-president said she was not sure whether to switch allegiance from his old club, Manchester United.
Everton’s Mo Besic, Tom Davies and newly signed Michael Keane joined Albino United in a training session in the coastal city of Dar es Salaam, soon after they landed.
The visit was aimed at helping to break the stigma against people with albinism who risk being killed in Tanzania.
“From spending time with them today, I have learnt that the players go through some tough times. It’s not easy for them over here,” Keane was quoted by the Everton website as saying.
“It’s good that they can enjoy football and look forward to playing together. You can see their coach is really good with them,” he added.
Everton are due to play a friendly against Kenya’s reigning Premier League champions Gor Mahia.
It will be the English Premier League side’s first ever game in the East African state.
Local fans and those who have travelled from Kenya are expected to fill the 60,000-seat stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The Kenyan side earned the right to play Everton after winning the regional SportPesa Super Cup, which pitted teams from Tanzania against those from Kenya.
Kenyan betting firm SportPesa sponsors both Kenya’s and Tanzania’s top-flight leagues.
In May, Everton confirmed SportPesa as the club’s new shirt sponsor.
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