The KNK CUP 2024 tournament, organized by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Bukombe Constituency, Dr. Doto Biteko, concluded with great fanfare.
A total of 246 teams from 17 wards across Bukombe District participated, but it was Chui FC from Butinzya Ward that emerged victorious after a thrilling final against Nyuki FC from Bugerenga Ward.
The tournament's grand finale took place on September 17, 2024, at the Bukombe District Council's Kilimahewa Ground in Geita Region, where hundreds of spectators, including dignitaries, gathered to witness the event.
The guest of honor was the Minister of Works, Innocent Bashungwa.
Dr. Doto Biteko expressed his vision for the winners of the Bukombe KNK Cup and the Bashungwa Karagwe Cup to face off in a friendly match, uniting youth and fostering talent development across regions.
During the closing ceremony, Dr. Biteko took the opportunity to urge citizens to actively participate in the upcoming Local Government elections, emphasizing the importance of electing capable leaders who will serve the community effectively.
Addressing the crowd, Minister Bashungwa congratulated Dr. Biteko for his steadfast support of President Samia Suluhu Hassan's efforts to promote sports in the country.
He praised the KNK Cup for not only nurturing talent but also improving the health and well-being of the youth.
"Honorable Deputy Prime Minister, I commend you for the outstanding work you continue to do. This is the second time you have honored me with this invitation. When I visited in 2021, the tournament was already impressive, but this 2024 edition has reached new heights," Bashungwa remarked with admiration.
As a show of support for the sports infrastructure, Bashungwa pledged to contribute 15 million Tanzanian shillings to improve the Kilimahewa Ground.
The funds will be used to install grass on the field, a move expected to boost revenue for the District Council.
Regarding road infrastructure, Bashungwa assured the Deputy Prime Minister that the Ministry of Works, through the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads), has already initiated procurement to hire a contractor for the construction of the Ushirombo-Katoro road (59 km) to tarmac level.
He emphasized that construction is expected to commence by the end of December 2024.
The tournament not only captured the spirit of competition but also reinforced the importance of community development through sports, infrastructure improvement, and active civic participation.
The success of the KNK Cup stands as a testament to the transformative power of such initiatives in fostering unity, health, and talent across the nation.