Minister for Defence and National Service, Dr. Stergomena Tax, has called on organizations, companies, institutions, and individuals to design and support structured programmes for identifying and nurturing young talents across Tanzania.
Speaking during the official opening of the 7th Chief of Defence Forces Cup (CDF Cup 2025) at Azam Complex in Chamazi, Dr. Stergomena commended the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) for its continued efforts in promoting sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment.
“The TPDF deserves special recognition for its commitment to hosting this tournament, which continues to serve as a breeding ground for young sports talents,” she said during the launch event held on July 2, 2025.
The CDF Cup an annual military sports competition kicked off yesterday and is scheduled to run until July 13 in Dar es Salaam. This year’s edition has seen an expanded lineup of disciplines and a rise in participation.
Dr. Stergomena stressed that developing sports talent must go hand in hand with education, underscoring the importance of discipline and exposure for youth.
“My hope is that all participants will uphold the highest standards of discipline. Countries that have excelled in sports have done so by investing in robust systems for talent development,” she noted.
According to the Minister, the tournament is not only strengthening military sports teams but also opening up opportunities for young athletes to gain national and international recognition.
“Our armed forces have long contributed to the national sports agenda by producing athletes who represent Tanzania globally. These games offer yet another platform for young men and women to sharpen their skills and rise to competitive levels,” she added.
On his part, Brigadier General Said Hamis Said, Chairperson of the CDF Cup 2025 Organizing Committee, said preparations for this year’s tournament were successfully completed and that participation had grown significantly.
“This year, we’ve expanded the number of sports disciplines to ensure broader inclusion and more opportunities for talent discovery. The games will also help us identify and select athletes for future national and international competitions,” he said.
The tournament features a wide variety of sports, including athletics, football, handball, wrestling, basketball, golf, swimming, boxing (men and women), netball, and darts.
In the opening football match, the Reserve Forces team held the Land Forces team to a 1-1 draw, setting a competitive tone for the rest of the tournament.
The CDF Cup has grown over the years into a prestigious military sports event, reinforcing the role of the defence sector in shaping the future of Tanzanian sports.