Manara calls on Tanzanians to keep political differences away during the AFCON finals
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA national football teams’ spokesperson, Haji Manara, has called on politicians to keep political differences away from sports, saying preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) require unity and collective support from all Tanzanians.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam today, July 30, 2026, Manara said AFCON 2027 provides Tanzania with a major opportunity to showcase the country internationally and unite citizens, adding that the tournament should not become a platform for political disputes.
“Sports belong to the people. Your politics should remain outside our sports. Football has given us livelihoods, education and recognition. We should not allow politics to destroy our football,” Manara said.
He referred to Tanzania’s participation in the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games as an example of how sports should be protected from political conflicts.
Manara said that in 1980, when the United States and some of its allies boycotted the Moscow Olympics due to Cold War tensions, Tanzania, under the leadership of the late President Julius Nyerere, decided to take part in the Games.
He said efforts by senior US officials and other influential figures who visited different countries to encourage a boycott did not change Tanzania’s decision to participate.
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According to Manara, Tanzania’s participation resulted in the country winning two silver medals at the Moscow Olympics, achievements that remain among the nation’s most notable successes in Olympic history.
Filbert Bayi won a silver medal in the men’s 3000m steeplechase after finishing second behind Paul Malinowski of Poland.
Suleiman Nyambui secured another silver medal in the men’s 5,000m race behind Ethiopian Mirutz Yifter.
Manara said the historic achievements highlight the importance of separating sports from political disputes, stressing that athletes should not carry the burden of disagreements between political leaders or nations.
