Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Minister Paul Makonda and former Ivory Coast and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba have called for greater investment in expertise, training and international knowledge-sharing to accelerate football development in Tanzania.
Speaking on October 18, 2026, during an inspection of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Makonda said sustainable progress in football required more than on-field performance, highlighting the importance of strengthening the expertise of those responsible for managing and administering the game.
He said Tanzania could improve its football systems by learning from countries with established expertise, investing in professional training and exposing local stakeholders to international best practices.
“The goal is not to compete with others, but to use the available experience and expertise to build a better football system,” Makonda said.
He cited lessons drawn from Morocco, stressing the need for Tanzania to learn from other countries, including Germany, to improve football management and administration.
Makonda's remarks highlight the importance of looking beyond players' performances to the technical and administrative structures that underpin the development of the sport.
Drogba, who enjoyed a distinguished career with Ivory Coast and English Premier League club Chelsea, echoed the call for greater use of international experience and expertise to strengthen the game.
He said engaging with football professionals from different countries could introduce fresh ideas, broaden local knowledge and help improve the way the sport is developed and managed.
Drogba stressed that the objective should not be to compete with other countries but to learn from their experiences and apply the lessons to build a stronger football system.
The emphasis on expertise and knowledge-sharing comes as Tanzania seeks to strengthen its football structures and improve the standards of the game both on and off the pitch.