Tanzania’s U20 women’s national team, Tanzanite Queens, has received anti-doping education as part of its preparations for the upcoming FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
The session focused on helping players understand prohibited substances, the health risks associated with their use and the possible sanctions for athletes who breach anti-doping regulations.
Team doctor Alfred Amede said the education is routinely provided to Tanzania’s national teams participating in CAF and FIFA competitions to ensure players understand their responsibilities and make informed decisions about medication and supplements.
He urged the players to consult the team doctor before taking any medicine or supplement, particularly products whose contents or anti-doping status they are not certain about.
“The main objective of today’s session was to educate the players not to use medicines they are unfamiliar with and to ensure they work closely with the team doctor. A player should not take any medication without knowing whether it is prohibited or permitted,” Amede said.
He said the team doctor plays an important role in guiding players on the safe and appropriate use of medication, depending on their individual needs.
Such precautions are particularly important in international competitions, where an anti-doping violation can have consequences beyond a player’s health, including disciplinary sanctions and potential suspension from competition.
Amede said the players actively participated in the session, asking questions and seeking clarification on medicines and supplements they may use during training and competition.
“The response was very positive. I saw the players enjoying the session, asking questions and gaining a better understanding,” he said.
The National Sports Council (NSC) has emphasised the importance of anti-doping education in protecting athletes’ health, strengthening compliance with sporting regulations and promoting fair competition.
For Tanzanite Queens, the training provides an additional layer of preparation as the team focuses not only on performance but also on meeting the regulatory requirements of international football.
