Tanzania is beginning to reap the rewards of strategic investments in youth sports, as the national under-19 cricket team qualified for the Cricket World Cup for the first time—an achievement hailed as a historic milestone and the start of a new era for the sport in the country.
Speaking at a send-off ceremony for the team in Dar es Salaam ahead of the World Cup, Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma, said the success demonstrates how well-planned policies and youth-focused programs can yield tangible results on the international stage.
“This achievement is not by chance. It is the result of long-term preparation, discipline, and strategic investments by the Tanzania Cricket Association in partnership with the government,” Mwinjuma said.
He highlighted that Tanzania is the only associate member among 29 African countries to qualify for the World Cup, a testament to the nation’s potential to compete globally if strong systems are established starting at the youth level.
Deputy Minister Mwinjuma emphasized that the sixth-phase government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has continued to prioritize sports, recognizing them as crucial for job creation, community health, national cohesion, and international visibility.
He explained that the U-19 team has benefited from a comprehensive preparation framework, which includes qualified coaches, professional training programs, competitive trial matches, and formal agreements ensuring the welfare and development of young players.
Mwinjuma urged the young athletes to use this opportunity as a springboard for their sporting careers, emphasizing that discipline, patriotism, and teamwork are key both on and off the field.
“You represent the dreams of countless young Tanzanians. Your success has the power to shift perceptions and inspire society to see sports as a viable career and life-long profession,” he said.
He also praised the leadership of the Tanzania Cricket Association under Chairman Dr. Sreekumar for building a solid foundation for cricket development through visionary management, transparency, and accountability qualities that other sports organizations in the country should emulate.
This historic milestone for Tanzania’s U-19 cricket team reflects the growing momentum of youth sports development in the country, showing that strategic planning, investment, and structured training can propel young athletes onto the global stage.