Tanzania backed to make AACT history
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’S national ladies’ golf team has received government backing ahead of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), with officials and sponsors expressing confidence in the squad’s bid for a maiden continental title.
The championship will be held from November 2–7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja, Nigeria.
The team departed the country for Abuja yesterday, to compete in the prestigious biennial tournament.
Speaking at the team’s flag-off ceremony in Dar es Salaam on Friday, National Sports Council (NSC) Sports Officer, Petro Chalula, urged the players to fly the national flag high and deliver a strong performance.
“We wish our heroines the very best. Remain united, give your best on the course and return home victorious,” he said.
Chalula highlighted that the Government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, remained committed to supporting sports development, particularly through investment in infrastructure and athletes.
He commended the Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) and sponsors for facilitating the team’s participation. Tanzania will field a three-player squad comprising captain Madina Hussein, Hawa Wanyeche and Neema Olomi, under the management of Ayne Magombe.
The team is targeting its first AACT title after finishing runners-up in 2010 and 2018. Tanzania was placed fifth at the 2024 championship in Morocco, where the hosts were crowned champions.
TLGU President, Timea Chogo, thanked the National Sports Council, CRDB Bank, Kago Logistics, Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL), Saher, Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), Tanzania Golf Union (TGU) and individual well-wishers for supporting the campaign.
She said the players had a responsibility to build on the country’s previous performances and bring honour to Tanzania.
Meanwhile, TGU Chairman, Gilman Kasiga, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to deliver a historic victory, describing the squad as strong and complete as he saw the players off at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam yesterday.
“Today is a good day as our golf team travels. The squad is complete, and I am confident they will return with victory. We have a very good team and I believe our ladies will make us proud,” he said.
Team Manager Magombe also expressed confidence in the squad, describing the players as experienced, talented and well prepared for the continental challenge.
“Our team is made up of good players with extensive experience. They are all in good form, highly motivated and ready to compete and bring home the trophy,” she said.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam, Kago Africa Limited General Manager, Sherebanoo Moiz, said the company was proud to be associated with the national team, as it seeks to make history in the continental competition.
Moiz said the company’s decision to support the golfers reflected its belief in the values of discipline, leadership, excellence and empowerment promoted through sport.
