The race for leadership at the Tanzania Athletics Federation (TAF) reaches its climax tomorrow, August 16, as delegates gather in Mwanza for elections that promise fierce competition in nearly every position.
The polls will be conducted at Adden Palace Hotel in Pasiansi starting at 9 a.m., under the oversight of an Election Committee chaired by retired Director of Sports Leonard Thadeo, with lawyer Benjamin Kalume as Vice Chair. Other members are Irene Mwasanga, Dr. Ahmad Ndee, and Mazwazwa.
Delegates and candidates began arriving in Mwanza this morning, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest particularly for the presidency, where four big names in Tanzanian athletics are in the running.
The contenders for the top post are current Vice President William Kallaghe; former national athlete and Police Athletics Team head coach, ASP Rogart John Steven Akhwari; athletics stakeholder and Capital City Marathon organiser Chief Nsolo Mlozi; and Morogoro Regional Athletics Association Chairperson Angelius Likwembe.
The race for Vice President has been billed as a battle of lawyers between Acting Secretary General Jackson Ndaweka and Baraka Sulus, son of former Tanzania Amateur Athletics Association (TAAA) Chairman Elias Mfungo Sulus.
For the Women’s Representative slot, the contest will be between Lindi Regional Athletics Association Chairperson Noela Mafuru and former star athlete and coach Luiza John.
Ten candidates will battle it out for the four Executive Committee seats, including veteran sports journalist Tullo Chambo, Silvia Rushokana, Michael Washa, Andrew Robhi, Tabu Mwandu, Christina Paga, Alfredo Shahanga, Ibrahim Kwitega, Joshua Kayombo, and Shenya Imori.
By this time tomorrow, the winners and those left disappointed will be known. For now, the final lap rests in the hands of the delegates.