AS we turn the first page of 2024, it is already anticipated to be another prosperous year for the sports sector with many new records set to be achieved.
With the visionary leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, there is no doubt that the success achieved last year will continue to be witnessed throughout this year.
It is clear that the state played an integral role in scaling up the sports sector in the past year, which led to Tanzanian athletes performing well in major contests.
Tremendous improvements in sports infrastructure are expected to be highlighted this year, with the construction of two new stadiums in Dodoma and Arusha already in pipeline.
The state has already announced that the two brand new arenas will be completed in time ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, which will be hosted jointly by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
Similarly, the refurbishments of Benjamin Mkapa and Uhuru stadiums in Dar es Salaam are also high profile projects likely to transform the landscape of sports infrastructure in the country.
Aside from the stadiums, the completion of the Sports and Recreation Centre, being built near Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in the city, is also expected to be accomplished soon this year. All these lucrative infrastructures, both old and new, will help to make 2024 a remarkable year.
The featuring of Tanzania’s football team, Taifa Stars, in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals is a perfect New Year gift to millions of Tanzanians, who are now curious to see how their own team will perform. If they make a breakthrough into the knockout phase, then it will be a great success.
This alone is a clear testimony that this year, the sports industry is timed to blossom, and with full backing from the government, everything will be turned to gold. With full cooperation from public and private stakeholders, without any doubt, this year can surpass its predecessor in terms of recorded successes.
