Govt set to improve basketball infrastructures nationwide

DODOMA: THE government has reiterated its commitment to improve sports infrastructure across the country, with a particular emphasis on basketball.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the sport’s profile both nationally and internationally.

This was stated by Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma, during the recent official opening of the CRDB Taifa Cup Basketball Tournament at the Chinangali grounds in Dodoma.

He highlighted that the government is focused on providing world-class facilities that will enable Tanzania to host major international competitions, such as the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

“The government fully recognises the importance of basketball in youth development and nation-building. As one of our six priority sports, basketball is receiving significant attention, and we are currently constructing a modern indoor sports arena in Dar es Salaam,” Mwinjuma stated.

He also noted, “The government will continue to invest in quality facilities to foster talent and support competitive growth nationwide.”

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Mwinjuma expressed gratitude to CRDB Bank for its ongoing support of the sport and acknowledged the bank’s role in athlete development through scholarships, mentorship programmes and job opportunities for outstanding players.

“We thank CRDB not only for sponsoring this tournament but also for leading the way in empowering young athletes through education and job creation. We encourage other corporate entities to follow this model,” he added.

The Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) president, Michael Kadebe, acknowledged the strong partnership between the public and private sectors in advancing basketball in the country.

“We are grateful to the government for standing shoulder to shoulder with us. The facilities here in Dodoma are a testament to that support,” said Kadebe.

He further noted, “The growing popularity of the sport has already started yielding positive results, with recent accolades awarded to Tanzania’s best referee and best young female player.

Furthermore, athletes have received academic scholarships through CRDB’s support, and many have secured jobs thanks to opportunities created within the sport.”