Govt hails JKT for CHAN venue
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports, Damas Ndumbaro, has praised the recent renovations at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium, one of Tanzania’s key venues for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
During his visit to the stadium, which is home to JKT Tanzania Club in the Premier League, Ndumbaro commended the extensive upgrades that have significantly enhanced the facility’s standards.
“The stadium is in excellent condition and fully prepared for CHAN,” Ndumbaro stated.
He noted that only a few minor adjustments remain, assuring that those will be addressed promptly to ensure compliance with CHAN standards.
“This facility now serves as a model for our national sports infrastructure. The renovations reflect our government’s commitment to providing world-class sports venues that will enhance Tanzania’s capacity to host prestigious tournaments in the future,” he noted.
The minister expressed aspiration for the stadium to, not only meet expectations, but also set a benchmark for facilities upgrades across Africa. “We want to establish a standard for CHAN that will make our country proud,” he remarked.
Wallace Karia, the President of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), echoed the minister’s sentiments, emphasising Tanzania’s determination to host a successful tournament.
“We have learned valuable lessons from Ivory Coast’s organisation of the 2023 AFCON finals and we look forward to gaining more insights from the upcoming 2025 AFCON in Morocco to ensure our event is even better,” he said.
As preparations continue for CHAN, Karia highlighted the importance of focusing on the 2027 AFCON as well, expressing confidence that collaboration will lead to success.
Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda were selected as co-hosts for the 2024 CHAN finals, showcasing the East African region on a continental stage. The tournament is scheduled for February 1-28, 2025, and will take place across the three host countries.
In a notable development, CECAFA Zone, which includes the host nations, will gain an additional slot, increasing the total number of participating teams to 19. Besides automatic qualification, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will compete in qualifiers, with the best-performing CECAFA nation advancing to the tournament.
The CHAN finals are expected to generate significant economic opportunities across East Africa, with venues in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar poised to attract both local and international fans, enhancing the region’s sports profile on a global scale.
