Z’bar for sports upscale

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Hussein Ali Mwinyi has revealed plans to improve sporting infrastructure in the Isles, including constructing a mega stadium to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

President Mwinyi made the remarks on Thursday at the grand re-opening ceremony of the renovated venue, the New Amaan Sports Complex in Zanzibar.

“We have plans to improve and install sports infrastructure in every district to allow athletes to enjoy their sporting activities in the Isles. We have already begun working on the plans. “We intend to construct a modern stadium before the 2027 AFCON finals begin, and this venue will host the historical finals in Tanzania. It is my goal to make Zanzibar well known through sports and I will keep surprising you with it,” President Mwinyi unveiled.

He further disclosed that the government and German Development Agency (GIZ) have reached an agreement to build five small sports stadia for basketball, volleyball, handball, and netball.

“The stadia are expected to be built in Kangani, Mchangamdogo, Tumbatu and Mkokotoni. “Haile Selassie, Urban District as well as three tennis stadia in Chakechake, State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), Nkurumah Campus and Legeza Mwendo School in Western B District” he explained.

He said the plans are implementation of the government’s commitment to improving sports, so Zanzibar can be understood through such activities.

“We want to be known through different sports, proving that the government plans to build two large academies that will be used to develop talents in Unguja and Pemba,” he explained.

Furthermore, President Mwinyi said Tanzania’s National Team; Taifa Stars will pitch a three-day camp at the New Amaan Sports Complex in Zanzibar before heading to Egypt for further drills ahead of the 2023 AFCON finals.

“Before I finish my speech, let me conclude by telling the players that have been made for the national team to conduct a brief camp here, the team is welcome. “If possible, they (Taifa Stars) should play a friendly game with one of our teams here to be in good shape before flying for the AFCON contest,” he explained.

The Zanzibar Minister for Youth, Culture and Sports, Tabia Maulid Mwita, on her side, congratulated President Mwinyi for his wonderful commitment in building different sports centres that will be used to develop talents in the country.

The Minister for Arts, Sports and Culture, from Tanzania Mainland, Damas Ndumbaro promised President Mwinyi that he and his counterpart from Zanzibar will ensure they develop the sectors entrusted under them by the Government of Tanzania.

The opening ceremony of Amaan Stadium was witnessed by more than 14,500 people and a spectacular show from Bongo Flava icon Naseeb Abdul alias Diamond Platnumz.