Future of Tanzania cricket shines with grassroots growth and youth leagues

DAR ES SALAAM: THE future of cricket in Tanzania is looking brighter than ever, thanks to a wave of grassroots initiatives aimed at nurturing young talent and popularising the sport nationwide.

One such transformative effort is currently unfolding at Al Muntazir Islamic International School in Dar es Salaam, where a vibrant Under-15 and Under-19 Inter-School Cricket League are being successfully hosted.

This league serves as a vital platform for budding cricketers to showcase their skills, gain valuable exposure, and foster a passion for the sport both in schools and surrounding communities. A ‘budding cricketer’ is a player who is just beginning their development in the sport and shows promise for future success.

The Under-15 (T10) League features competitive teams from Al Muntazir, Chanika, Kigamboni and DSM School Combine, while the Under-19 (T20) League includes Amsb, Al Muntazir, Chanika, DSM School Combine and Azania.

Speaking to ‘Daily News’ recently, Abinel Matemera, Head of Sports and Co-Curricular at Al Muntazir, emphasised the significance of this initiative: “We take great pride in hosting these competitions, which reflect the remarkable progress of cricket at junior levels—from grassroots beginnings to more structured youth leagues.

“We extend our deepest appreciation to the Al Muntazir School Board and Administration for their unwavering support, as well as to the parents, participating schools, academies, Cricket Tanzania, players and coaches whose dedication continues to elevate the sport,” he said.

Matemera highlighted that with a clear development pathway now in place, the potential for cricket in Tanzania is truly exciting:

“To further advance the game, continuous investment in grassroots programmes, improved facilities, high-quality coaching, and regular competitive opportunities are essential. The collaborative efforts of schools, academies, the national federation and the broader cricketing community are driving Tanzanian cricket toward a vibrant future,” he said.

Khalil Zulfikar Rehemtulla, Cricket Coach at Al Muntazir, also shared his strategic vision for scaling up cricket across the country. He underscored the importance of early grassroots development, suggesting cricket should be actively introduced in schools and communities to spark early interest and discover emerging talent.

“Organising school leagues and training camps builds a solid foundation. We need a structured development pathway— from school to club, academy, franchise and national levels. At the same time, investing in qualified coaches and mentoring programmes is crucial to help players hone their technical skills, game awareness and mental resilience,” he explained.

Coach Rehemtulla further emphasised the need for adequate infrastructure and consistent opportunities, “We must invest in quality facilities and equipment and organize regular leagues, tournaments and friendly matches. These experiences build players’ temperament, strategic thinking and confidence.”

He also pointed out the role of media and marketing in expanding the sport’s reach:

“Promoting cricket through media will help attract sponsors, fans and public support. We should also embrace talent identification programmes and offer scholarships to nurture emerging cricketers.”

Additionally, Rehemtulla advocated for international collaboration as a key to accelerating development:

“Partnering with global cricket associations for training, exchange programs and exposure tours can help us adopt international best practices and accelerate our players’ growth,” he said.

With youth leagues gaining momentum, institutional backing and passionate individuals leading the charge, cricket in Tanzania is entering a promising new era. Through continued investment, structured development and community engagement, the dream of establishing Tanzania as a cricketing nation is steadily becoming a reality.