The Dar es Salaam Athletics Association (DAA) has elected a new leadership team that will serve for the next four years, with members urged to focus on talent development and the promotion of athletics in the region.
Announcing the results, Retired Colonel Juma Ikangaa, who chaired the DAA Electoral Committee, congratulated the newly elected officials and called on them to work diligently to improve the sport.
“You have been entrusted with the responsibility of guiding this association forward. I urge you to identify and nurture young talents who can represent Tanzania on the international stage,” said Ikangaa.
In the hotly contested chairperson race, Amani Ngoka emerged victorious with 10 votes, defeating the acting DAA Secretary, Mwera Samweli, who garnered four votes.
Peter Palanjo failed to secure any votes, while another candidate, Tullo Chambo, withdrew from the race before voting commenced.
For the position of Vice Chairperson, Elizabeth Tungaraza was elected with 11 ‘yes’ votes against three ‘no’ votes, reflecting strong support from the electorate.
The Treasurer’s position remains vacant after sole candidate Aron Luambano failed to win the members’ confidence, receiving 12 ‘no’ votes and only two in favor.
In the race for Secretary, Felix Chunbega was elected with seven votes, narrowly defeating former secretary Rahim Kalyango who got six votes. Fred Mhegele received one vote, while Alex Amulike and Boniface Kimisha got none.
Juma Ally won the position of Assistant Secretary after receiving nine votes, beating his opponent Esther Mwita who secured five votes.
Six members were elected to the DAA Executive Committee, with vote counts as follows: Monica Luswaga (14), Habib Shamte (14), Difna Chailla (12), Tausi Irunde (10), and Christian Yahhi (8).
Other contenders Christopher Mbilo (7), Dickson Marwa (6), and Magnus Ngenzi (0) did not make the final cut.
With the new leadership in place, expectations are high that the association will boost athletics development in Dar es Salaam and contribute to national efforts in building a strong pool of athletes.