Makonda urges sports leaders to strengthen grassroots development

DODOMA: MINISTER for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, has called on regional and district sports leaders to strengthen grassroots talent development.

Makonda said they should do so by ensuring young athletes have regular opportunities to compete and progress through organised competitions.

He made the remarks during the opening of the Basketball National Cup in Dodoma yesterday, saying sports leadership should focus on creating pathways for young people to develop their abilities rather than pursuing personal interests.

“We have entrusted you with leadership so that you can develop talent, organise competitions and help young people achieve their dreams through sports. Leadership is not for personal gain,” he said.

The minister noted that regional and district sports administrators play a key role in identifying and nurturing talent, adding that well-organised local competitions are essential for producing athletes capable of competing at higher levels.

He also stressed the importance of full participation in the National Cup, describing the tournament as an important platform for discovering and developing emerging basketball players from across the country.

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Addressing basketball officials, Makonda warned that regions failing to field teams despite having recognised leadership structures would be expected to account for such performances.

“If there is a region that will not participate in the Taifa Cup while it has a basketball leadership structure in place, then consider your leadership out,” he said.

Makonda noted that the government had already allocated funding to support regional basketball leagues, saying the investment was intended to strengthen local competitions and prepare teams for national tournaments.

“The government has allocated funds for regional basketball leagues. Therefore, there is no valid reason for any region to fail to organise a team for these championships,” he said.