Samia pledges stadium for Geita
GEITA: CCM presidential candidate, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has pledged to construct a sports stadium in Geita region if elected on October 29.
Speaking at a campaign rally at the Tanzania Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) Bombambili grounds in Geita, Samia said the project is part of broader efforts to promote sports, culture and the arts.
She noted that construction of a football stadium is already underway in Bukombe, with similar plans for Geita.
“Our aim is to continue investing in sports development,” she said, highlighting the sector’s role in youth employment.
She also cited a government investment of 34bn/- to upgrade Malya Sports College in Mwanza, aimed at developing talent and training sports teachers for schools across the country.
Since taking office, President Samia has launched several initiatives to support sports.
Under her rewards programme, football players and clubs receive between 5m/- and 10m/- per goal scored in international competitions. National teams and individual athletes have also benefited.
In November last year, she awarded 700m/- to the national football team -Taifa Stars, after they qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Her support extends to women’s football. In 2021, she donated 100,000 US dollars to the CECAFA Women’s Championship.
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As Vice-President, she served as patron of the under-20 women’s team -Tanzanite. The government is also constructing sports facilities in Arusha and Dodoma.
The Arusha facility is expected to be completed by the end of the year, ahead of the planned AFCON sports village aimed at boosting tourism.
Tanzania is set to co-host the 2027 AFCON with Kenya and Uganda.
Samia has been involved in preparations, continuing her role from the recent African Nations Championship (CHAN), jointly hosted by the three countries.
