The Netball team of the Office of the Vice President has produced one of the most dominant performances of the 2026 May Day Sports Games after thrashing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation 52–5 to book a place in the Round of 16.
The match, played on April 19, 2026, at Mji Mwema Stadium in Njombe Town Council, saw the Office of the Vice President (OMR) completely outclass their opponents from start to finish, controlling all phases of the game with pace, precision, and clinical finishing.
The heavy victory confirmed OMR’s strong form in the tournament, having already impressed in the group stage where they defeated the Ministry of Water 26–20, overpowered the Dodoma Regional Secretariat 27–11, before sealing top position in Group H with another commanding win over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking after the match, head coach Mafuru Buriro said the team’s qualification to the knockout stage reflects their growing confidence and clear ambition in the competition.
He said the team is aware that the competition becomes tougher in the knockout stages, but remains focused on improving performance in every match.
“We respect all the teams we have faced so far. Reaching the Round of 16 is an important step, but our target is to continue improving in terms of skills, discipline, and teamwork so that we can go further in the tournament,” said Buriro.
He added that although this is the team’s first appearance in the May Day Games, the players have shown strong maturity and the ability to compete against experienced sides without fear.
OMR Sports Coordinator Marwa Nyaisawa said the team’s success is driven by strong unity, discipline, and commitment among players and the technical bench.
He noted that the positive environment in camp has played a key role in boosting players’ confidence and consistency throughout the matches.
“Our success comes from teamwork and discipline. The players have shown great determination since we arrived in Njombe, and that has made a big difference in our performance,” said Nyaisawa.
He also acknowledged the strong support from the management of the Office of the Vice President (Tanzania), saying it has been instrumental in motivating the team and ensuring smooth preparation throughout the tournament.
The 2026 May Day Sports Games Mei Mosi 2026 Sports Games are part of nationwide celebrations marking International Workers’ Day, bringing together teams from government ministries, departments, and public institutions in various sporting disciplines.
Teams that have qualified for the Netball Round of 16 include the Office of the Vice President, Prime Minister’s Office–PMO-RALG, State House, Ministry of Water, Ministry of Health, Public Service Management and Good Governance, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Finance, National Audit Office, Ministry of Defence and National Service, TANESCO, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Judiciary of Tanzania, and Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development.
The competition continues under the theme emphasizing sports for health, employment, happiness, and productivity, highlighting the role of decent work in supporting Tanzania’s Vision 2050 development goals.
