DAR ES SALAAM, July 31 -- ABBAS Pira began his football career with Coastal Union in 2003; he hoped the sport would define his future. More than two decades later, he is better known for making people laugh than stopping goals.

The former goalkeeper, who says he also had an opportunity to feature for Chelseas B team in England, has become one half of a comedy duo whose sports sketches have attracted a large online audience.

Pira says comedy had always been his first love, even while pursuing football.

“I loved both football and comedy from primary school,” he said. “Football gave me recognition as a goalkeeper, but I always knew I had a talent for making people laugh.”

His career took a different direction in 2...