Buzz builds ahead of CHAN 2024 opener…Rayvany to rock opening night

DAR ES SALAAM: WALKING around the iconic Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the air is already thick with anticipation.

Music thumps from the loudspeakers, echoing across the stadium as sound checks bounce off the stands. Crews move briskly, billboards light up the venue with bold names and faces and three flags flutter proudly above it all of the hosts at the entrance. The air hums with energy; the scene is set for an unforgettable night.

The pitch itself is dressed in the vibrant colours of the Tanzanian national flag green, yellow, black and blue a proud canvas for the football spectacle to come.

With only days remaining before the opening of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), final preparations have been completed, according to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports and Chief Government Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa.

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Speaking to reporters on yesterday, Msigwa confirmed the country’s readiness to host the continental football tournament, noting that both the logistical and cultural elements are in place.

“Everything is set. Tanzania is ready to welcome Africa. The stage is prepared, the performers are rehearsed and the spirit of unity is already filling the stadium,” Msigwa noted.

Regarding logistics, Msigwa confirmed that all transportation arrangements have been finalised.

“The buses designated for each participating nation are ready and in place. We expect teams to begin arriving today, starting with Madagascar, followed by Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Central African Republic,” he explained.

He added that Tanzania will host approximately 800 guests, including delegates from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with high-profile confirmations from the co-host nations’ Ministers of Sports from Kenya and Uganda.

The Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony will be Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, who will officiate the event on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

In a major highlight for the ceremony, celebrated Tanzanian artist Raymond Mwakyusa, popularly known as Rayvanny, has been confirmed as the main card performer.

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“Rayvanny will take the stage just before kick-off, following a sequence of cultural and artistic showcases that represent the diversity and vibrancy of our nation,” Msigwa said.

“His performance will set the tone for a historic evening, just before the much-anticipated match between Tanzania and Burkina Faso.”

The opening fixture, which pits Taifa Stars against Burkina Faso, is expected to draw thousands to the stadium and millions more watching from home.

Msigwa called upon Tanzanians to show up in large numbers to support their national team and embrace the opportunity to shine on the continental stage.

“Let us come together — in unity, in colour and in voice. This is more than football. It is a celebration of who we are,” he said.

As the sun begins to set over Dar es Salaam, the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium stands ready floodlights on, music swelling and anticipation at fever pitch.