Giants see tough Mapinduzi Cup

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has tasked Young Africans to go above the stage they reached in the CAF interclub dues by winning title in the coming season.

President Samia asked the Tanzanian envoys to work harder and win the throne after a stellar performance in this season’s CAF Confederation Cup championship, insisting their experience this year will guide them to understand their strengths and weaknesses so as to do better next season.

During the dinner reception, the Head of State made these remarks to congratulate Yanga for sealing a silver medal in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The dinner reception was held at the State House in Dar es Salaam on Monday.

“It is an important day; we celebrate Young Africans’ success.

“Through these competitions, you have noticed your weakness and strength.

“Therefore, you will bring home a title in the next competitions.”

The Head of State told football stakeholders and sports officials to ensure investment is increased starting from preparations to get winning teams  capable to win titles.

“The assignment ahead of us is to strengthen the quality of our preparations in future competitions so that we can do better.

“Our country can do better and win, as history shows that our teams can participate and do well.

“In 1993, Simba reached this far; therefore, our country can do better; what is required is hard work and motivation. I assure you that the government is with you so we can make a better history than this.”

President Samia further urged football fans to consider the club rivalry should only be at home and not at the international level: “When Simba  represent the country, let’s unite and support the same as Yanga …nationality should be a priority.”

The president also hinted the government had made plans to build an indoor sports arena, renovate Benjamin Mkapa Stadium as well as task the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports officials to continue preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, including the construction of stadiums in Dodoma and Arusha.

“We have bid to host the African Cup of Nations with our neighbours (Kenya and Uganda). If we win the bid, East African countries will host the 2027 AFCON.

“Therefore, I have already tasked the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports officials to continue constructing ultra-modern arenas in Dodoma and Arusha and renovate a few of others, such as Amaan Stadium and many others we will use in the competitions.

“2027 is close and therefore the preparations should begin now so that we can reach all requirements.

“These competitions will as well serve as a catalyst in developing other activities such as tourism.”

President Samia also lauded Yanga for such achievement: “You have made us proud and deserve the utmost praise.

“I acknowledge that these successes did not come by chance, but the collective results of the players, Coach Nabi and his technical bench team effort, the team’s sponsors and the Ministry for Culture, Arts and Sports.

“I also want to acknowledge the Ministry’s support of Tanzania Mainland and Isles teams. Especially to Yanga in their preparations to enable them to reach further.”

Before President Samia made her remarks, the Deputy Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma, thanked the Head of State for her support, as she offered not only a plan and tickets to the team and fans but also 190mil/- to 26 goals that Young Africans and Simba SC scored in total.

He also offered a special acknowledgement to the goalkeeper Djigui Diarra and Fiston Mayele for winning individual awards in those competitions.