The 2025 edition of the CRDB Taifa Cup Basketball Championship is set to tip off tomorrow, June 24, at Chinangali Grounds in Dodoma, bringing together 36 regional teams in one of Tanzania’s biggest annual sporting events. The tournament will run through July 4.
According to Mary Arthur, Public Relations Officer of the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF), all preparations are nearly complete, with the final fixture schedule being finalized.
She expressed high expectations for this year's edition, citing improved team readiness and a heightened competitive spirit.
“Our preparations are going well, and now we’re just finalizing the match schedule,” she said. “We understand that all teams have been actively training, and we expect a high level of competition this year.”
The tournament will feature 20 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams, representing various regions across the country.
The men’s teams will come from: Unguja, Mbeya, Shinyanga, Rukwa, Kilimanjaro, Kigoma, Arusha, Singida, Iringa, Tanga, Dodoma, Simiyu, Mwanza, Tabora, Manyara, Dar es Salaam, Pwani, Mara, Lindi, and Morogoro.
Women’s teams will be fielded by: Unguja, Morogoro, Manyara, Mwanza, Mara, Tabora, Arusha, Mtwara, Dodoma, Kilimanjaro, Iringa, Kigoma, Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Mbeya, and Pwani.
Speaking on behalf of the tournament’s main sponsor, CRDB Bank, Head of Public Relations and Communications Emmanuel Kiondo said the bank has committed TSh 200 million to support this year’s championship.
“This marks our fifth consecutive season of sponsoring the CRDB Taifa Cup. We are proud of the impact it has had, especially in increasing participation from women’s teams—from just 12 in 2020 to 16 this year,” said Kiondo.
He added that the tournament has become a powerful platform for youth development. “One of our proudest achievements is the scholarship and mentorship support we provide. So far, 75 young players have benefited directly from this initiative and are thriving in their basketball careers.”
Beyond competition, the CRDB Taifa Cup continues to promote national unity, gender inclusion, and talent development in Tanzanian basketball. With preparations complete and teams arriving in Dodoma, all eyes are now on Chinangali as the battle for the 2025 title begins.
