‘TZ stadia surge game changer’
ZANZIBAR: TANZANIA’s most respected football veterans-turned-pundits have praised the ongoing efforts to build modern football stadia across the country, calling them a cornerstone for reviving and elevating Tanzanian football to greater heights.
George Masatu and Adolph Rishad, the former national team stars spoke to the ‘Daily News’ on Thursday following Wednesday’s announcement that the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar had signed a landmark 240bn/- loan agreement with CRDB Bank for construction of a state-of-the-art football stadium in Zanzibar.
Rishad, a midfield stalwart who once donned the colours of Pan African and Young Africans during the 1980s and 90s, underlined the importance of investing in sports infrastructure.
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According to Rishad, such investments are not merely cosmetic but form the bedrock of any successful sporting ecosystem. “The exponential growth of football in the Arab world didn’t happen by accident,” said Rishad.
“It was fuelled by deliberate and sustained investments in stadia and training facilities. Look at Saudi Arabia—they’ve become a magnet for global football because they laid the groundwork with infrastructure.” He further argued that Tanzania should follow suit, if it wants to reclaim its lost sporting glory.
“The first commandment in football is build the pitches— everything else comes after. That’s why the efforts by President Hussein Ali Mwinyi and President Samia Suluhu Hassan to prioritise stadium development are so crucial,” he said.
Rishad reminisced about Tanzania’s golden age of sport in the 1980s, when names like Suleimani Nyambui, Filbert Bayi and Juma Ikangaa put the nation on the global athletics map.
He attributed their success, in part, to access to quality training facilities—a luxury that is slowly becoming a reality. “Modern stadia mean better training, more opportunities for exposure and a pipeline for producing elite players who can compete internationally,” he added.
“It’s how we’ll rebuild strong and respected national teams.” Meanwhile, former Simba SC and Taifa Stars defender, George Masatu, echoed Rishad’s sentiments, saying that Zanzibar President, Hussein Mwinyi’s approach is setting the right tone for sustainable football development. “Expanding our stadia network is a long-overdue investment.
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What President Mwinyi is doing is visionary—it’s the exact blueprint needed for football and sports at large to flourish,” said Masatu.
He recounted being questioned abroad about Tanzania’s lack of infrastructure, despite its evident footballing talent and passionate fanbase.
“At the time, we only had one notable stadium. Now, we’ve got projects in Dodoma, Arusha and Zanzibar. We’re finally catching up,” said the veteran. Masatu was quick to note that these stadiums won’t just serve CHAN and AFCON ambitions. “They’re long-term assets. They can host international friendlies, attract global clubs for camps—maybe even welcome giants like Ajax. It’s a ripple effect that could put Tanzania on the world map.” He suggested that every region in Tanzania should aim to have at least one modern stadium.
“It’s an investment with huge sporting and economic dividends,” he proposed. As preparations continue, he urged all stakeholders to get involved. “Infrastructure is rising; now let’s participate. I’ll be there—watching, learning, supporting. This is our moment,” he said.
Meanwhile, the recent announcement that the CAF final will be played at the New Amaan Complex has stirred excitement in Zanzibar. “This is a brilliant decision. Hosting the final here is a win for Simba and for Zanzibar,” said Omar Yusuf, a fish vendor and avid Simba SC supporter.
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“Even Yanga fans should set aside rivalry and back Simba in the name of national pride.” Local traders see opportunity. Mohamed Khamis Juma and Jamila Hassan Omar welcomed the move, saying it’s a chance for small vendors like them to earn, even if it is for a few days. Zanzibar Football Federation official Issa Chiwile echoed their optimism.
“This match aligns perfectly with President Mwinyi’s vision of linking sports to tourism. It’s a golden opportunity to promote our stadium and elevate Zanzibar as a sporting destination.”
