DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA, a country known for its vibrant football culture, has long been the heart of East African football.
While the national team and local leagues have captured the public’s attention and pride, we must now ask ourselves: What about the other sports? Basketball, baseball, tennis, cricket, golf and many others deserve the same level of support, attention and investment that football has enjoyed for decades.
It’s keen for both public and private stakeholders in Tanzania to recognise that building a culture of sports beyond football is not only a matter of fairness but also a crucial investment in our nation’s future.
It is time we begin to invest heavily in grassroots sports a move that could have far-reaching consequences for Tanzania’s presence in global competitions such as the Olympics, the AllAfrican Games and other prestigious international platforms. Grassroots development is the foundation of any successful sporting culture.
Countries across the globe, including those in Africa, have consistently produced world-class athletes by investing in children from an early age. These athletes go on to represent their nations on global stages, contributing to national pride and inspiring future generations.
From the United States’ powerhouse in basketball to Kenya’s dominance in longdistance running, the proof is in the results. The same can be achieved in Tanzania with the proper investment. However, this investment must not be partial or superficial.
Too often, support is given only to the most popular or highprofile sports, leaving athletes in lesser-known disciplines to fend for themselves.
This is a mistake that we cannot afford to make any longer. Public and private sector stakeholders must work together to provide equal opportunities across all sports.
Funding, resources and infrastructure should be distributed more evenly to give all children access to proper training, equipment and coaching.
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A clear and structured pathway from the grassroots level to professional competitions should be established for all sports. Schools, community clubs and local organisations must be empowered to nurture young talents and provide them with the opportunities to grow and succeed.
This could include organising local tournaments, building more accessible sports facilities and offering scholarships or sponsorships for promising athletes.
Moreover, it is essential to create a culture of inclusivity and enthusiasm for a wide range of sports. Parents, teachers and local leaders need to recognise the value of sports in shaping character, promoting health and fostering discipline.
In doing so, we will inspire a generation of Tanzanians who are not only passionate about football but also excited about a variety of sports. By focusing on developing talent across various disciplines, Tanzania can position itself as a competitive force on the global stage.
Whether in the Olympics or the World Cup, our athletes can stand proud, knowing that they have received the best training and support from the earliest stages of their careers. It’s high time we shift our perspective on Inter-Primary and Secondary School Games.
These events should not merely be celebrated annually as a tradition, where students participate and then return to their schools without any lasting impact.
The current model only sees these competitions as one-off events, after which the talents and potential discovered remain untapped.
It’s time for a fundamental change we need to invest in these school-level events not just as a cultural activity, but as an essential pipeline for identifying and nurturing future athletes.
These games should be a platform where young, emerging talents are scouted and trained for future success. Imagine if, instead of just participating in these competitions, our schools worked in tandem with sports academies, coaches and national sports bodies to develop the potential of the best-performing athletes.
Tanzania could begin building athletes who not only shine on the local stage but who are also prepared to compete on the global stage, whether it’s the Youth Olympics, African Games, or even the Olympics themselves. By fostering this talent from the grassroots, we ensure a pipeline of excellence for Tanzania’s future sporting prospects.
However, this vision remains unrealised as our participation in global competitions remains limited. Take the Youth Olympics, for example.
These events are a fantastic opportunity for young athletes to gain exposure, develop their skills and represent their country on a global stage.
Yet, how many times have we sent Tanzanian representatives to these prestigious competitions? Our country’s presence in such global arenas is scarce, which can be attributed to lack of infrastructure and resources for cultivating young talent beyond the school sports event.
If we are truly serious about developing Tanzania’s future athletes, it is essential to begin giving these competitions more weight.
By giving more importance to inter-school sports, we can turn them into a crucial part of Tanzania’s sporting framework.
Schools should not only serve as places of academic learning but also as incubators of sporting talent. Let’s ensure that we don’t just celebrate the event, but that we make it a stepping stone for athletes to progress, receive the proper training and eventually represent Tanzania at major global competitions.
The investment in grassroots sports must be more than just a dream it must be a national priority. Our future success in international competitions depends on the groundwork we lay today.
It is time for both the public and private sectors to step up and ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to excel in sports beyond football.
By fostering talent early on, we can unlock the full potential of Tanzania’s future sports stars and take our place in the global sporting arena.
