The government has stepped up efforts to strengthen the development of netball in Tanzania by inviting the Tanzania Netball Association (CHANETA) to discuss strategies for securing long-term sponsorships that can provide sustainable support for the sport.
The call was made by the Acting Director of Sports Development in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Mr Eliufoo Nyambi, during the opening of the First Division Netball League in Dodoma on June 6, 2026.
Mr Nyambi said sustainable sponsorship remains critical to the growth of netball, noting that reliable financial backing would enable the association to implement development programmes, nurture talent and adequately prepare national teams for international competitions.
He urged CHANETA leaders to meet with ministry officials to formulate practical strategies that would attract corporate partners and strengthen the sport’s long-term future.
The official commended the association for its commitment to promoting netball despite financial and operational challenges, saying its efforts had played a key role in keeping the sport active across the country.
He emphasized the need to continue identifying and developing young talent to build a competitive national team capable of matching the success achieved by Tanzania in other sporting disciplines.
“Netball has enormous potential in Tanzania. Continued investment in talent identification and development will help the country build a strong national team that can compete successfully at regional and international levels,” he said.
Speaking at the event, CHANETA Chairperson Ms Stella Mwangomale said the lack of permanent sponsors remains one of the association’s biggest challenges.
She explained that dependable sponsorship would enable CHANETA to implement its development agenda more effectively and finance participation in major competitions, which often require significant resources for registration, training camps and preparations.
Ms Mwangomale noted that the First Division Netball League serves as an important platform for discovering emerging talent, increasing competition among teams and creating a strong pipeline of players for the national team.
She also praised teams that travelled from different parts of the country to participate in the tournament and acknowledged the significant contribution of military institutions in promoting and developing netball.
In addition, she thanked sponsors and partners who continue to support the association’s programmes despite the financial challenges facing the sport.
Meanwhile, City Institute Director Mr Shaban Mwanga reaffirmed his institution’s commitment to supporting sports development through sponsorship and the provision of sports equipment.
He said the institution had already distributed sporting equipment in several regions and would continue expanding the initiative to help strengthen sports development from grassroots to elite levels.
The opening day of the league produced several exciting results, with Immigration registering a commanding 60-0 victory over IAA. Police Arusha secured a hard-fought 36-30 win against Jeshi Stars, while JKT Mbweni cruised to a convincing 54-23 triumph over Nyika Queens.
The government’s renewed push for long-term sponsorship is expected to provide a significant boost to netball development, offering hope for improved competitiveness, better talent development pathways and stronger representation for Tanzania in international competitions.
