Tanzania’s national boxing team, the Faru Weusi, is being called upon to receive official recognition from the government following a landmark performance at the Africa Boxing Championships held in Nairobi, Kenya.
The team made history after securing 18 medals the highest tally ever achieved by Tanzania in a continental boxing event.
The medal haul included one gold, four silver, and 13 bronze medals, placing the country fourth overall and drawing the attention of senior boxing officials from across Africa.
The Faru Weusi’s performance not only elevated Tanzania’s presence in the sport but also impressed regional stakeholders.
While in Nairobi, local and international sports journalists expressed admiration for the team’s skill and noticeable improvement.
Their excellence even earned them a special dinner invitation from a Police General of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who commended the Tanzanian fighters for their discipline and determination.
Two days after the championship, on October 26, Government Spokesperson Mr. Gerson Msigwa publicly congratulated the team.
Addressing reporters at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium after a CAF Champions League fixture between Simba SC and Nsingizini Hotspurs, he stated that the government would organise a formal engagement to acknowledge the team’s accomplishment.
“We congratulate them. We will prepare an arrangement to meet them and honour them officially,” Mr. Msigwa said.
Nearly a month has passed since that announcement, and no further update has been issued. This has sparked concern among sports followers, especially after the government recently awarded TZS 50 million to the women’s national team, Twiga Stars, for qualifying for the WAFCON finals for the second consecutive time.
While the recognition of Twiga Stars has been widely applauded, many observers believe that the national boxing team equally deserves commendation for raising the country’s profile at a continental level.
Supporters of the Faru Weusi argue that their achievement should not be overlooked. The team’s success in Nairobi represents a significant milestone for Tanzania’s sports sector and demonstrates the growing potential of the country’s athletes in disciplines beyond football.
As Tanzania works to build a stronger sporting identity internationally, many believe that acknowledging the Faru Weusi’s achievement would be an important step towards motivating athletes and reinforcing the government’s commitment to sports development.