Mkwasa lauds sports’ role in unifying Tanzanians regardless their political, religion differences
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Former Taifa Stars and Twiga Stars coach Charles Mkwasa has described peace as Tanzania’s greatest achievement, saying it remains the foundation for national development.
Mkwasa said sports, especially football, have a unique role in bringing Tanzanians together despite differences in political views, religion or social backgrounds.
Speaking to the Daily News Digital, the former Young Africans player said his long experience in football has shown him that the sport creates a platform where people unite for a common purpose.
He said football fans often put aside their differences when supporting their teams, a situation he believes should be reflected in society.
“You can find one person supporting CCM and another supporting CHADEMA, but when they enter the stadium, they become one. They forget their differences and support their team. That is the power of sports,” Mkwasa said.
He said maintaining peace gives citizens an opportunity to work, invest and participate in different activities that contribute to national growth.
According to Mkwasa, his experience in football locally and internationally has exposed him to countries that have managed to develop sports because of political and social stability.
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“Without peace, there is no development. Peace allows people to work and enables a country to move forward,” he said.
Mkwasa urged Tanzanians to protect peace, describing it as a valuable heritage passed down by the country’s founders.
“Our country was built on the foundation of peace. This is the greatest treasure we have, and every Tanzanian has a responsibility to protect it,” he said.
He also called on leaders, political parties, institutions and citizens to promote respect and dialogue whenever differences arise.
Mkwasa said sports have continued to prove that they can unite people and that Tanzania should use the opportunity to strengthen national unity.
