Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma, has officially launched a national awareness campaign to mobilize support ahead of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which will kick off on August 2 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania will face Burkina Faso in the opening match of the tournament, which is reserved for players active in their respective domestic leagues.
Speaking at the launch held on July 22, Mwinjuma called on Tanzanians to come out in large numbers and fill the stadium in a show of unity and national pride as Taifa Stars begins its campaign.
“The government has fulfilled its responsibility. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has invested significant resources in building and improving sports infrastructure,” he said.
“Now it is up to us, as citizens, to show up, support our national team, and ensure the CHAN trophy stays at home.”he added
Mwinjuma said the current squad is made up of highly talented players and expressed confidence in their ability to perform well in the tournament. He emphasized that crowd support could be the driving force behind their success.
Also speaking at the event, Charles Maguzu, Sports Officer from the National Sports Council (BMT), encouraged Tanzanians to seize the economic and social opportunities presented by the tournament.
“This is more than just football. It’s an opportunity for service providers hotels, food vendors, transport operators, and others to showcase Tanzanian hospitality and boost their income,” Maguzu said. “Let us deliver high-quality services and ensure that guests feel welcomed.”
Clifford Mario Ndimbo, Head of Communication at the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), announced affordable ticket prices for the opening match.
VIP A tickets will be sold at TSh 10,000, VIP B and C at TSh 5,000, and regular stand tickets at TSh 2,000.
“We have deliberately made ticket prices friendly to encourage maximum attendance. Our theme this year is ‘The Trophy Stays Home’, and that spirit should be reflected in the stands,” said Ndimbo.
He added that nine teams will compete in the tournament across two venues: Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam and New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Simba SC’s Head of Communication, Ahmed Ally, also expressed optimism about Tanzania’s chances in the tournament, citing the depth of talent in the current squad.
“With the quality of players in the team, I believe we can make a strong start and go far in the competition,” said Ally.
“I call upon all Tanzanians to show up not just for the opening match, but throughout the tournament to prove our love for football and country.”he added
He underscored the symbolic importance of filling the stadium, particularly during the opener, to send a message of unity and pride to the international community.
Assistant national team captain Himid Mao echoed the call for support, assuring fans that the team is fully prepared to deliver strong performances.
“As players, we are ready. We have trained hard, and we’re determined to represent the country with honor,” Mao said. “We ask all Tanzanians to come out in numbers and support us—we promise to give our all.”