Alphonce Felix Simbu, Tanzania’s new world marathon champion, has received a house in Dodoma from President Samia Suluhu Hassan following his landmark victory at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo earlier this month.
Simbu struck gold on September 15, becoming the first Tanzanian to win a marathon title at the global level. His triumph against 206 athletes earned the country rare sporting glory and prompted the President’s reward, which was announced yesterday by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa during a ceremony in Dar es Salaam.
“The President was impressed by Simbu’s achievement, which lifted the national flag high on the world stage. She decided to present him with a house in Dodoma as recognition of his efforts,” Mr Majaliwa said.
He instructed the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports to finalise the handover without delay.
The Prime Minister described Simbu’s success as the product of discipline and persistence, adding that his victory should serve as a model for other athletes.
He also emphasised the need for federations and associations to strengthen revenue strategies and attract corporate sponsorships to ensure sustainable sports development.
Government officials noted that the sixth-phase administration has stepped up support for sports, with long-term goals of winning medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Olympics.
“We are determined to sustain this momentum,” said Permanent Secretary Gerson Msigwa, pointing to improved preparation and investment in training facilities.
Beyond the house, Simbu was also awarded TZS 20 million in cash. Other teams were recognised at the event: Tembo Warriors, the national amputee football team, received TZS 7 million after finishing second at the CECAAF Championships; the women’s futsal national team was awarded TZS 10 million for qualifying for the World Cup; and JKT Queens earned TZS 10 million after winning the CECAFA title and booking a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Sports leaders credited the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces for nurturing talent and providing facilities, while Tanzania Athletics Federation president Rogath Stephen praised the government’s consistent support in preparing athletes.
Simbu himself expressed gratitude to President Samia and to the military, saying the conducive environment they created had been crucial to his victory.
“We are proud to represent Tanzania, and this recognition will motivate us to aim even higher,” he said.