CHAN 2024:Tanzania aims high on, off the pitch

DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania is setting its sights not only on lifting the CHAN 2024 trophy but also on leveraging the continental tournament to boost tourism, create jobs and promote national pride.

This was remarked by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities), Ridhiwani Kikwete during the CHAN Dinner Gala in Dar es Salaam on Friday.

He expressed strong optimism about the performance of the national team, Taifa Stars, in the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Minister Ridhiwani Kikwete represented Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Doto Biteko at the event.

“The expectations are high first and foremost, we want to keep the trophy here at home,” Kikwete said.

Minister Kikwete praised the national team’s form, highlighting their strong performance and positive results in recent friendly matches against Uganda and Senegal held at Karatu Stadium in Arusha.

“We have seen how the team has been prepared, the spirit they have. They have played two friendly matches and won all of them. That alone shows their readiness to compete.”

CHAN 2024, a biennial tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is reserved for players competing in domestic leagues.

This year, it will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda marking the first time East Africa has united to stage a major continental football tournament.

Beyond sporting success, Minister Ridhiwani highlighted the tournament’s potential to serve as a catalyst for economic activity, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

“CHAN has opened many doors – first, there are opportunities for short-term employment through volunteer roles. But such a major tournament attracts more than just football; it brings with it the chance to showcase our tourism potential,” Kikwete noted.

Professor Mkumbukwa Madundo Mtambo, a member of the National Organising Committee and part of the CHAN 2024 medical team, said Tanzania has indeed been in the international spotlight, especially hosting the opening ceremony. “The world will be watching Tanzania,” he said.

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Also present at the event, Acting Executive Secretary of the Tanzania Film Board, Gervas Kasiga, applauded local artists for using social media to rally support for the national team.

“The creative industry is playing a key role in mobilisation. We have seen how artists have encouraged fans to show up at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to cheer for the Taifa Stars,” he said.