Govt hails brave Taifa Stars
DAR ES SALAAM: PRIME Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, has hailed the national football team’s historic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign as a watershed moment for the country, declaring that ‘Taifa Stars’ have finally proved they belong at the table of continental elites.
The Stars’ journey ended in Rabat on Sunday following a gritty, narrow 1-0 defeat to hosts Morocco in the Round of 16.
Despite the exit, the performance marked the first time in Tanzanian history that the national side progressed beyond the group stages.
Addressing a crowd during the opening of Chukwani Secondary School in Zanzibar, Nchemba said he was bullish about the team’s trajectory as the country prepares to co-host the 2027 edition of the tournament alongside Kenya and Uganda.
“What we witnessed in Morocco has sent a clear signal to the continent: Tanzania is ready. When they come to our home soil in 2027, they will face a team that knows how to compete under the brightest lights,” said Nchemba.
He praised the Taifa Stars for flying the national flag high, upholding the country’s honour, and representing the national anthem with dignity throughout the tournament.
He stressed that Tanzanians should recognise that Taifa Stars have laid a strong foundation ahead of the 2027 AFCON, which Tanzania will co-host with Kenya and Uganda.
“On behalf of the Government, we commend the Ministry of Sports, our hosts, the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), the Zanzibar Football Association (ZFA), the technical bench and the players for their dedication in raising the national flag,” he said.
Nchemba urged Tanzanians, the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, the Dar es Salaam and Urban West Regions to organise a heroic reception for the team, saying it would be inappropriate for the players to return home quietly after their strong showing.
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He also commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi for their efforts to modernise sports infrastructure, calling on the Ministry of Sports, TFF and ZFA to further strengthen team preparations to ensure Tanzania is fully ready for 2027.
The Prime Minister underscored the need to review competition regulations, proposing that some federation-run tournaments prioritise the use of local players to broaden the domestic talent base.
“One of the key areas in team preparation is reviewing our regulations,” he said. “The goal is to develop our players, give them more competitive opportunities and build a wider squad that blends locally based players with those playing abroad.”
He urged the Ministry of Sports to work closely with football federations to review the rules and, where necessary, submit proposals to the government for approval to support preparations for hosting AFCON.
Nchemba also proposed resumption of a Union League that will bring together teams from Unguja, Pemba and Mainland Tanzania under a home-and-away format.
