Tanzania’s growing success in international sports is a result of deliberate Government investment aimed at improving preparations, strengthening competitiveness and creating better opportunities for national teams, National Teams Spokesperson Haji Manara has said.
Manara said the Government, under the leadership of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, has continued to prioritise sports development through the National Sports Council (NSC), ensuring that national teams receive the support needed to compete effectively at global and continental events.
Speaking at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Manara said BMT has played a key role in financing national team preparations, including training camps, players’ and athletes’ allowances, travel arrangements and official sports equipment.
He said the support has contributed to improved performances, with Tanzania recording notable achievements across different sporting disciplines.
He cited the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland as one of the examples, where athlete Winfrida Makenji made history by breaking a 47-year-old national record in the 200 metres race and advancing to the semi-finals. Swimmer Collins Saliboko also registered a new personal best performance at the competition.
In football, Manara highlighted the impressive start by Tanzania’s women’s national team, Twiga Stars, at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco after defeating South Africa 2-1 in their opening match.
He further noted that Tanzania’s Under-17 national team, Serengeti Boys, has secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Poland, while the national futsal team has also earned a place in the global tournament.
“"These achievements demonstrate the importance of investing in proper preparations and providing athletes with the necessary support to compete at the highest level," Manara said.
He added that Government support has extended beyond football, with national teams in other disciplines also benefiting.
The men’s tennis team was facilitated to participate in the Davis Cup tournament in Congo Brazzaville, while the women’s tennis team will receive Government support to compete in the Billie Jean King Cup in Côte d'Ivoire.
Manara said the Government will continue improving the environment for national teams by enhancing preparations, expanding support across different sports disciplines and ensuring Tanzanian athletes remain competitive internationally.
“The objective is to build stronger teams that can achieve better results and continue representing Tanzania with pride on the world stage,” he said.
