Why safe sporting infrastructure is everyone’s responsibility

TANZANIA: BILLIONS of money are being invested in modern sports facilities, providing world-class arenas where athletes perform and supporters unite.

In Tanzania, immense capital and effort are being invested ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 finals. Groundbreaking infrastructure projects are rising, including the state-of-the-art Arusha Stadium, the ambitious Dodoma Stadium and the Fumba Stadium Complex.

Simultaneously, major upgrades and structural overhauls are underway at established venues, such as the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar and the iconic Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Yet, building and modernising these grounds is only half the battle. Maintaining them requires an unyielding, collective commitment.

Keeping our national sporting infrastructure safe is not merely the duty of venue administrators, security detail, or government officials; every fan, club delegation, and player has an active role to play in safeguarding these facilities. For supporters, matchday passion is the lifeblood of African football.

Joy and intense frustration are natural components of the game, but raw emotion is never a license for physical destruction.

From the moment you pass through the turnstiles at the gate, to the exact seat you occupy, to the time you depart the premises, you must act with complete responsibility.

Vandalising seats, throwing objects onto the pitch, or breaking facility fixtures places a heavy financial strain on host management and compromises the physical safety of fellow spectators.

Channel your emotional energy into singing and backing your team, not destroying public assets. Teams, managers, and technical staff must also maintain professional standards.

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Destructive matchday rituals, the application of unknown chemical substances, or any practices that damage pitch conditions, dressing rooms, or tunnel infrastructure must cease immediately and entirely.

Respecting host grounds is a foundational mandate of elite sport. Enforcement will be swift and thorough. Highdefinition security monitoring covers every angle across these facilities.

Misconduct will be identified, reported, and dealt with firmly. Financial penalties, venue bans, and points deductions are active measures that governing bodies will strictly enforce.

These venues belong to our sporting future, protecting them is a non-negotiable duty for everyone.