Dar Es Salaam — Premier league side African Lyon is likely to secure new owners; it was learnt in Dar es Salaam on Friday.

RBP Oil Industry Executive Director Rahma Al-Kharoos confirmed her intention to buy stake in the Mbagala based team that has been left orphan by its former owner, Mohammed Dewji.

US-based investors also reportedly have shown interest to join a local company -- RBP Oil Industry in a take-over deal. To prove her intent, Rahma said she has entered into a contract worth 110m/- to support the team's campaign in this season's top flight league.

She said officials of the potential shareholders --Seattle Sounders from USA, are expected in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, for talks with the team's leadership on a possible take-over deal.

"We have good plans to transform African Lyon from their current tag as a minnow club into a massive club in the country and Africa. We will start by introducing youth system at the club as well as introducing women team," she said.

She said if the deal with Seattle Sounders goes through, Africa Lyon players will be provided with an avenue to visit and play in USA regularly. African Lyon Secretary General Brown Rugemarila thanked RBP boss for what he described as timely support.

"We are so pleased that you have bailed us out just a day before the start of the league. It was definitely going to be hard for us to compete in the league without enough financial power but at least now we can compete favourably," he said.