Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has pledged a TSh1 billion cash reward to the national football team, Taifa Stars, if they emerge champions of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to kick off in Dar es Salaam next month.
The announcement comes as the government intensifies preparations to host the continental tournament, with the opening match pitting Tanzania against Burkina Faso on August 2, 2025, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa is expected to officiate the opening ceremony.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi, said the presidential pledge is meant to inspire the national team to fight for glory.
“President Samia has shown great commitment to sports development. Her TSh1 billion reward is a strong motivation for the players to give their all for the country. As the saying goes, a committed player deserves a worthy reward,” said Prof. Kabudi.
The minister expressed optimism that Taifa Stars will rise to the occasion and play with determination, heart, and pride to raise the Tanzanian flag high.
He noted that final preparations for the tournament are well underway, including the full payment of participation fees, rehabilitation of training grounds, and upgrades to key infrastructure in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
Prof. Kabudi also confirmed that the government has formed national organizing committees to oversee various aspects of the tournament, including coordination, logistics, team readiness, stakeholder engagement, and promotion.
“We have implemented a comprehensive strategy to ensure the success of CHAN 2024, including public mobilization activities like the recent fan engagement campaigns held in Kimara and Mbezi,” he added.
He further revealed that the CAF Secretary General, Veron Mosengo-Omba, recently inspected the main and auxiliary venues, including Meja Isamuhyo, Law School Grounds, Gymkhana, and the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, and expressed satisfaction with the country's level of preparedness.
To mark the tournament’s arrival, the government is planning a series of entertainment activities, including the CHAN Singeli Festival, a two-day music and cultural event aimed at celebrating the championship and uniting fans.
Prof. Kabudi urged Tanzanians to turn out in large numbers to support the national team and take advantage of the economic and business opportunities arising from hosting CHAN 2024.
“We call on citizens to engage in various economic activities such as hospitality, food services, tourism, and transport. This tournament is not just about football it’s about jobs, business, and national pride,” he said.
The government, he added, is banking on the team's performance to bring the trophy home and cement Tanzania’s reputation as a growing force in African football.
Meanwhile, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary and Government Spokesperson, Mr. Gerson Msigwa, announced additional performance incentives for the team.
“In the group stage, every goal scored by Taifa Stars will earn the team TSh10 million. For every goal scored in the semi-finals, they will receive TSh20 million,” he revealed.
If Taifa Stars reaches the semi-finals, they will receive a bonus of TSh200 million, while reaching the final will earn them an additional TSh500 million.
As the countdown to CHAN 2024 begins, all eyes will be on Taifa Stars to make history on home soil with the nation’s hopes and full support behind them.