Dar es Salaam and Arusha have been crowned the new champions of the CRDB Taifa Cup basketball tournament, which concluded yesterday at the Chinangali courts in Dodoma.
In the men’s category, Dar es Salaam emerged victorious after overpowering Mara with a 68–52 win in an electrifying final.
Their tactical discipline and scoring efficiency saw them dominate the game and lift the 2024 trophy. Mara finished as runners-up.
In the women’s final, Arusha claimed the championship title after a tightly contested match against Dar es Salaam, winning 56–50.
Despite a strong fight from Dar es Salaam, Arusha maintained their composure to secure the win and take home the trophy. Dar es Salaam women’s team settled for second place.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule congratulated all the winners and participants.
She commended the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) for bringing the prestigious tournament to Dodoma, saying it aligns well with the region’s commitment to promoting sports development.
“I am proud that Dodoma has hosted this tournament, which supports our mission of transforming the region through action. The games have showcased incredible talent and discipline,” she said.
Senyamule also announced that President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has plans to construct a modern sports stadium in the Nzuguni area, which will benefit various sports, including basketball.
“We are excited about the upcoming stadium project in Nzuguni. It will be a state-of-the-art facility that meets international standards. I believe next year’s Taifa Cup can be held there because the President fully understands the importance of sports development,” she added.
However, the Regional Commissioner expressed concern over a disciplinary issue involving the Dodoma women’s team, saying such behavior is unacceptable.
“I was deeply disappointed by what happened with our local team. Discipline is key to success, and we will summon those involved to address the matter. Appropriate measures will be taken to prevent this from recurring,” she stated firmly.
TBF’s Commissioner for Technical and Competition Affairs, Daniel Patrick Mbwana, said this year’s tournament saw a significant increase in participation and competition levels.
“We had 36 teams from various regions across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. The level of competition has improved greatly. Even the defending champions were knocked out early, which shows how competitive the tournament has become,” he said.
Mbwana added that the Taifa Cup continues to be an essential platform for nurturing local basketball talent and enhancing the game’s visibility nationwide.
This year’s CRDB Taifa Cup not only crowned new champions but also reaffirmed the tournament's role in promoting sportsmanship, unity, and youth engagement across Tanzania.