CHAN finals delay: Golden opportunity for Tanzania

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’S successful bid to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 has positioned the country on a global stage, underscoring its growing stature in international sports.

However, recent developments have presented an unexpected yet beneficial twist; the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has rescheduled the CHAN finals from February to August, granting Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda an additional six months to refine preparations.

While the delay may initially seem like a setback, it is, in fact, a golden opportunity for the host nation to enhance not only the sporting infrastructure but also the broader ecosystem that will support the event.

This includes the improvement of transport systems, communication networks, hospitality services and language competence in key areas, all of which are essential for a successful tournament.

The announcement that Tanzania was 90 per cent ready for the CHAN tournament before the delay offers a clear indication that significant progress had already been made.

Major training stadiums, including the Major General Isamuhyo, Gymkhana and Law School were nearly ready for use, with only a few final touches remaining.

The additional months now provide ample time to complete these upgrades and ensure that all facilities meet the high standards expected of a continental event.

Importantly, the delay also affords the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports and the National Sports Council (BMT) the opportunity to address any overlooked details, such as improving player training facilities and ensuring that stadiums are equipped with the latest technology for broadcasting and audience engagement.

This enhanced infrastructure will not only contribute to the smooth running of the tournament but also leave a lasting legacy for Tanzanian sports development. However, the focus should not solely be on the stadiums themselves.

Other essential infrastructure outside of the sporting venues must also be addressed to ensure that visitors, players, and officials experience a seamless and comfortable environment during their stay. One of the biggest challenges that any host country faces when organising a largescale international event is managing traffic and ensuring efficient transportation.

ALSO READ: Tanzania in tricky CHAN group

In cities like Dar es Salaam, where the tournament will likely see an influx of international visitors, traffic congestion is a major concern.

The additional six months should be used to develop a comprehensive plan that enhances the flow of traffic around major tournament venues.

The government should prioritise improvements to public transport systems, including upgrading bus and train networks to handle increased demand.

Expanding ride-sharing services and providing clear signage and navigation tools will also be vital for visitors unfamiliar with local routes.

In addition, traffic management strategies, including dedicated lanes for event-related transportation and wellplanned road diversions, must be put in place to minimise disruptions during the event.

An efficient transportation network is critical not only for the smooth operation of the tournament but also for enhancing the overall experience of both players and spectators.

By addressing traffic congestion early on, Tanzania can avoid potential headaches that could tarnish the success of CHAN finals. With the tournament now six months away, Tanzania also has an opportunity to improve its communication networks, which will be crucial for managing large-scale events.

The growth of digital communication tools such as mobile apps, websites and social media—can be leveraged to provide real-time updates on schedules, match results and other essential information. This digital infrastructure should be readily accessible and available in multiple languages to cater to the diverse range of visitors expected to attend.

Furthermore, improving the overall telecommunications infrastructure in cities hosting the tournament will ensure that media coverage runs smoothly and that visitors and local communities can easily connect with each other.

An efficient communication system is fundamental for the event’s success, ensuring that both logistical operations and fan engagement are wellsupported.

With an influx of international visitors expected from across Africa and beyond, Tanzania’s hospitality industry must rise to the occasion.

One of the most pressing concerns is language competence. English, Kiswahili and French are widely spoken across the African continent and many visitors will expect to communicate in these languages.

The delay presents a prime opportunity to train staff in key hotels, transport services and tourist attractions in these languages. Not only should hotel staff be proficient in these three languages, but key tourist destinations and event organisers should also ensure that language barriers do not hinder the flow of information.

Multilingual signage, translated materials and trained tour guides will be essential in creating an inclusive atmosphere for visitors. With time on its side, Tanzania can launch language training programmes and attract skilled workers to ensure that these services are available across the host cities.

Tanzania’s economic outlook is poised to benefit significantly from the extended preparation period. With more time to strategise, the country can maximise its tourism, transport, hospitality and entertainment sectors, creating new business opportunities and generating employment.

Stakeholders in these industries should be proactive in developing packages that cater to visitors, from accommodations and dining to cultural experiences and sightseeing.

Beyond the financial benefits, the CHAN tournament offers a unique opportunity for Tanzania to foster national pride and unity.

Football has always been a unifying force and hosting such a prestigious event will give Tanzanians a sense of ownership and collective achievement.

The success of the tournament will not only be measured in economic terms but also in the social cohesion it fosters among citizens.

The six-month delay in the CHAN tournament schedule should be viewed not as a setback, but as an invaluable opportunity for Tanzania to refine and perfect its preparations.

From enhancing sporting infrastructure and addressing transport and traffic challenges to improving communication systems and up skilling the hospitality industry, the additional time allows the country to create a world-class experience for visitors and participants alike.