Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Paul Makonda has called on Tanzania’s basketball team Dar City Basketball Club to deliver an outstanding performance at the upcoming Basketball Africa League (BAL), scheduled from March 27 to April 5 in South Africa.
Speaking to journalists on March 23, 2026, at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, while presenting the national flag to the team, Makonda said a strong performance would pave the way for other Tanzanian teams to participate in continental competitions.
“Dar City has already made history by qualifying among Africa’s top eight teams. This is a great honor for Tanzania and a source of inspiration for young people, showing that basketball is not just a sport for the wealthy but also a platform to boost economic opportunities,” he said.
The minister stressed that players carry the responsibility of representing the nation and must aim to return home with victories and a record that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Makonda added that the team’s success could accelerate the growth of Tanzania’s basketball league and attract more clubs to participate in international tournaments, similar to how football clubs Simba SC and Young Africans SC have raised the profile of Tanzanian football through strong continental performances.
Highlighting government support, Makonda revealed ongoing plans to improve sports infrastructure, including the construction of modern basketball arenas.
He noted that Dar es Salaam has already set aside land for a state-of-the-art basketball facility and encouraged other regions to follow suit.
“The government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is committed to growing the sports sector by investing in infrastructure and attracting sponsors to support talent development,” he added.
President of the Tanzania Basketball Federation, Hasheem Thabeet, assured that Dar City is well-prepared for the tournament and urged Tanzanians to continue supporting the team.
Player Amini Mkosa expressed confidence in the squad’s preparations and requested the public’s prayers for success. Meanwhile, team ambassador Clayton Revocatus pledged that Dar City will return with victories, aiming to make the nation proud on the continental stage.
