As global preparations intensify for the 2028 Olympic Games, the sport of Lacrosse is emerging as a new gateway for Tanzania to strengthen its visibility in international sports and create fresh opportunities for young athletes.
Speaking to The Respondent Online, the Technical Director of the Tanzania Lacrosse Federation, Mussa Omar Said, said the inclusion of Lacrosse in the Olympic programme has marked a turning point for the sport’s development in the country.
He said Tanzania now has a unique opportunity to build competitive teams and position itself within a rapidly growing global sporting community.
“Lacrosse is now an Olympic sport, and this has opened a completely new chapter for us. It gives Tanzanian youth a real chance to aim for the highest level in international competition,” he said.
Mussa explained that Lacrosse, which originated in North America, is currently played in more than 90 countries worldwide. Tanzania, although still in its early stages, has already begun to establish a strong foundation.
“For Tanzania, we are only in our third year since officially introducing the sport, but the response from young people has been very encouraging. The interest is growing faster than expected,” he added.
He noted that beyond competition, Lacrosse offers wider opportunities such as international exposure, sports scholarships abroad, and pathways for youth development through structured training systems.
He further revealed that Tanzania has already received an invitation to participate in Olympic qualifying competitions scheduled to take place in South Africa, a crucial step in the journey towards the 2028 Olympic Games.
On domestic progress, Mussa said the sport is steadily expanding through the establishment of academies in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma and Bagamoyo.
These academies are playing a key role in introducing the sport to young people and building a structured development pathway.
In addition, local leagues and small-scale competitions are being organized to help players gain experience, improve skills, and build competitive confidence.
Despite the progress, he acknowledged that the sport still faces significant challenges, particularly the lack of proper infrastructure such as dedicated Lacrosse fields and training facilities.
He said addressing these challenges will be essential for accelerating the growth of the sport and improving Tanzania’s competitiveness at the international level.
Mussa called on young people across the country to embrace Lacrosse, stressing that it represents a new opportunity not only in sports achievement but also in education and personal development.
“With the right commitment and support, Lacrosse can become a real pathway for Tanzanian youth to reach the global stage,” he said.
