The Tanzania Volleyball Federation (TVF) is working on a new strategic plan aimed at expanding international participation for both club and national teams as part of efforts to improve player experience, performance, and overall competitiveness.
The initiative comes in the wake of Tanzania Prisons’ participation in the African Club Championship for men held in Rwanda, where concerns were raised that limited exposure to high-level international competitions continues to affect the performance of local teams when facing more experienced opponents.
Speaking to The Respondent Online, TVF Director of Administration Riziki Godwin said the federation has recognized that the gap in international experience remains one of the key challenges facing the development of volleyball in the country.
He noted that while local competitions provide an important foundation, they are not sufficient to fully prepare players for the intensity and technical demands of continental and global tournaments.
According to him, the absence of regular international fixtures has contributed to inconsistent performance levels among local players when they compete outside the country, particularly against teams that have built experience through continuous participation in high-level events.
“This is a challenge we must address. We need to create more opportunities for our teams to compete internationally so that they can gain exposure, improve their performance, and represent the country strongly,” he said.
Riziki added that exposure to international competition plays a crucial role in shaping player development, as it helps athletes adapt to different playing styles, improve tactical awareness, and build confidence in high-pressure matches.
He said TVF is now focusing on developing mechanisms that will ensure both clubs and national teams get more opportunities to participate in regional and continental tournaments, including strengthening coordination with stakeholders and improving planning for international engagements.
He further emphasized that consistent participation in international competitions is essential if Tanzanian teams are to close the gap with stronger volleyball nations on the continent.
Riziki also called on stakeholders in the sport, including sponsors and development partners, to support the federation’s efforts by contributing resources that will enable teams to compete effectively when opportunities arise.
He stressed that collective support is necessary to ensure that teams are not only able to travel for competitions but are also well prepared to deliver competitive performances.
“When our teams get these opportunities, we must all come together to support them. This is how we build stronger teams and improve the image of our volleyball at the international level,” he said.
TVF is expected to roll out a more structured framework outlining how international participation will be increased and sustained as part of its broader agenda to raise the standard of volleyball in Tanzania.
