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Tanzania's commitment to co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and raising the profile of African football took center stage this week as President Samia Suluhu Hassan vocalized a grand vision for the sport in the nation.
Speaking at the Benjamin Mkapa stadium during the culmination of the Simba Day festival, she conveyed her robust aspirations for Tanzanian sports and detailed a promising path forward.
Suluhu highlighted the combined strength of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda in their united bid - known as the 'Pamoja Bid' - to bring the prestigious AFCON competition to East Africa.
“Let me talk about the Pamoja Bid whereby together with Kenya and Uganda we have already tabled our bid to host the 2027 AFCON finals,” she told a fully packed Benjamin Mkapa Stadium at the Simba Day celebrations.
“I was told that the inspection of infrastructure ended and we have the ability to host the competition…as such, we should be ready.”
These bold ambitions are coupled with practical steps; she unveiled plans for the construction of two new stadiums in Arusha and Dodoma.
Each of these modern arenas is anticipated to accommodate 30,000 spectators.
The procurement of contractors for these architectural marvels is already in motion, underlining the nation's commitment to upgrading its sports infrastructure.
Beyond just infrastructural advancement, President Suluhu emphasized a holistic approach towards nurturing sports. Calling for wholistic collaboration between the government and the private sector.
“We have been creating a conducive environment for all sporting disciplines to flourish,” she explained.
“But that should not be heaped to us; we cannot manage to do everything. Hence, I urge the private sector to come aboard too.”
"Maintaining our current facilities is pivotal, especially as we strive to meet the stringent criteria set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF)," Suluhu pointed out.
President Suluhu's speech was laden with pride as she spoke about Tanzania's representatives in international sports events.
Tanzanian champions Young Africans, Simba, Azam, and Singida Fountain Gate are prepped for the CAF Interclub Games, and their performances, she noted, should be a symbol of national unity.
“In these international arenas, our differences melt away. We stand united, and my pledge to reward each goal scored in CAF matches stands firm,” she affirmed.
Furthermore, she hailed the Kilimanjaro Queens for their victory in the CECAFA Under-18 Women’s Championship against Uganda.
Adding to the fervor, Mohamed Dewji, the club’s president, reassured President Samia of his unwavering commitment, saying he would go to great lengths to see the club clinch the top position on the continent.
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