Military leaders, coaches, and players have been urged to avoid complacency and begin immediate preparations for tougher competitions ahead, including regional and international military games.
The call was made by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Jacob John Mkunda, during the closing ceremony of the CDF Cup tournament held recently at the Azam Complex in Chamazi, Dar es Salaam.
General Mkunda emphasized that the CDF Cup was not the final destination but a stepping stone toward upcoming major events such as the Tanzania People's Defence Forces Games (BAMATA), the East African Community Military Games, and the International Military Sports Council (CISM) World Games.
“We understand that the road to BAMATA will take us through the East African Games and eventually the CISM World Games,” said General Mkunda. “I would like to witness all BAMATA trophies coming home. That’s our ambition.”
He applauded the tournament winners for their hard work and encouraged those who did not win to remain motivated, emphasizing that every participant played a role in the competition’s success.
“Even those who didn’t win should see themselves as champions. Without their participation, there would be no tournament and no winners,” he noted.
General Mkunda urged teams that fell short of trophies to reflect on their performances, innovate new strategies, and better prepare their athletes for future competitions.
“I believe everyone has learned something valuable about building a winning team. Let’s strive to be even better next year,” he added.
He also highlighted the military’s ongoing commitment to sports development, which includes setting up modern training centers, nurturing young talent, and constructing sports facilities equipped to serve both the military and the general public.
On his part, Major General Ibrahim Muhona, Chief of Training and Operations in the Defence Forces, expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s high level of competitiveness.
“We thank God the tournament concluded successfully,” said Major General Muhona. “I urge team leaders and coaches to start early and implement strategic preparations for future competitions so we can secure top positions.”
He emphasized that victory begins at the unit level and encouraged military units to fully utilize scheduled sports days to train and groom athletes.
“My hope is that these games have given coaches and technical heads both military and civilian the opportunity to spot outstanding talent who can be developed further and even join national teams,” he said.
He added that such platforms should not only serve as one-time events but as the beginning of long-term efforts to nurture and retain talent within the system.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Saidi Hamisi Saidi, Chairperson of the CDF Cup Organizing Committee, described the tournament as a success, noting that players competed fiercely while demonstrating their individual and team abilities.
He observed that while some commands took home more trophies than others, all teams achieved the broader goal of promoting unity and camaraderie within the armed forces.
“Even commands that won fewer trophies played an essential role in fulfilling our mission of fostering military unity and cohesion,” he said.
Brigadier General Saidi also called upon the Chief of Defence Forces to continue investing in the annual event to ensure stronger participation and impact among military personnel and the public.