Tanzania has unveiled a 31-player provisional squad for the Fourth African Kabaddi World Cup Qualifying Tournament, set to take place in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), from August 20 to 30, 2026.
The squad, comprising both men and women, was selected following a nationwide talent identification and selection exercise conducted last weekend at St. Joseph University in Tanzania, Luguruni, Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania Kabaddi Sports Association (TKSA) Vice President Mohamed Said Kiganja said the trials attracted players from several clubs, including Buffalo, Star, Kaole, St. Joseph University in Tanzania, Kampala International University in Tanzania, Galolile, Rufiji Crocodile, Mlamleni and Nyuki Zanzibar.
“The selection process was conducted transparently and competitively, with all players assessed on merit, skill and performance,” Kiganja said.
He explained that the provisional squad will undergo an intensive training programme before a final team of 24 players 12 women and 12 men is selected to represent Tanzania at the continental qualifiers.
The women’s provisional squad includes players from Buffalo, Kampala International University in Tanzania, Kaole, Galolile, Rufiji Crocodile and Nyuki Zanzibar, while the men’s team draws talent from Kaole, Star, Buffalo, Kampala International University in Tanzania, St. Joseph University in Tanzania and Nyuki Zanzibar.
The selected players are expected to report to a residential training camp at St. Joseph University on August 3.
The camp will run until August 19 under the guidance of national team coaches Joseph Isaya Mlotwa Lusinde and Arugumusammy.
Kiganja said the coaching staff will use the camp to assess players’ fitness levels, technical abilities and tactical understanding before trimming the squad to its final composition ahead of the tournament.
“Tanzania is committed to fielding a competitive team capable of securing qualification for the Kabaddi World Cup. The training camp will play a crucial role in ensuring the players are fully prepared for the challenge ahead,” he said.
The national team is scheduled to depart for Kinshasa on August 19, a day before the start of the continental qualifying event that will bring together some of Africa’s top kabaddi nations in the race for World Cup places.
TKSA has congratulated all players named in the provisional squad and appealed to sports stakeholders, corporate sponsors and fans to support the team’s preparations as Tanzania seeks to strengthen its presence on the continental and global kabaddi stage.
