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Samia’s ‘goal’ that sent smiles to sport giants, Yanga and Simba
President Samia Suluhu Hassan in a group photo with players and coaches of the Yanga during a ceremony to congratulate them for reaching the finals of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) championships in Algeria. The ceremony for Yanga was held at the State House in Dar es Salaam on June 5, 2023.
What you need to know:
- Behind Simba and Yanga’s success in continental prestigious tournaments is President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s pivotal role in fostering the growth of sport
Dar es Salaam. A February 2023 announcement by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, that President Samia Suluhu Hassan would ‘buy’ each goal to be scored by Yanga and Simba in CAF competitions for Sh5 million was undoubtedly a massive morale booster.
Mr Msigwa, who was chief government spokesman at the time, made the announcement at a time when Yanga, who were featuring in the CAF Confederation Cup, were about to meet TP Mazembe of the DR Congo.
Simba, who were competing in the African Champions League, were about to face Raja Casablanca of Morocco at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
It shall be remembered that the two teams had started the competitions poorly by losing their away matches.
Simba were defeated 1-0 by Guinea’s Horoya AC and Yanga lost 2-0 to Tunisia’s US Monastir.
What followed was that both teams did well and progressed to the next round.
In fact, Yanga proceeded to the CAF Confederation Cup finals and President Hassan did not only raise the bonus money, but at one point, she offered a private jet to ferry the club.
The Jangwani Street outfit narrowly missed out on the championship, succumbing to USM Alger of Algeria on the away goals rule.
But their silver medal achievement echoed loudly as a testament to their prowess on the continental stage.
Historically, Tanzania was not among Africa’s football powerhouses based on clubs, prompting a notable quote from the late President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, who remarked, “Tanzania’s teams have become a madman’s head for everyone wishing to learn how to shave.”
President Mwinyi’s statement was prompted by Simba’s loss to Stella Club d’Adjamé (Abidjan) of Ivory Coast during the CAF Cup final match in 1993.
However, in 2021, President Mwinyi reversed the quote during the Simba Sports Awards, underscoring the nation's progress in football.
Not to be outdone, Simba has carved its own path to glory, making substantial contributions to Tanzanian football’s resurgence.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan in a group photo with Simba players before they played against Zambia's Power Dynamos, at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on August 6, 2023. PHOTO | FILE
The team’s stellar performance in the CAF Champions League has not only elevated their status but also bolstered Tanzania’s presence in continental football.
Having qualified for the group stages of the CAF Champions League four times and once in the CAF Confederation Cup, Simba’s consistent display of skill and determination has earned those accolades and admiration both at home and abroad.
The Msimbazi Street giants have significantly contributed to the country's ranking, enabling Tanzania to field two teams in each of CAF's club-based competitions, including the prestigious CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup.
Behind Simba and Yanga’s success in continental prestigious tournaments is President Hassan’s pivotal role in fostering the growth of Tanzanian sport.
Her firm support and encouragement have served as a catalyst for the nation’s sporting renaissance, especially for two giant clubs.
Through her visionary leadership, President Hassan has inspired players to strive for excellence, instilling a sense of determination and resilience within the sporting community.
Her firm commitment to uplifting Tanzanian sports has laid the groundwork for a promising future, where talent is nurtured and dreams are realised on the grandest of stages.
As Tanzania fields two teams in the prestigious CAF Champions League and two teams in the CAF Confederation Cup, the nation stands poised on the brink of even greater sporting triumphs.
Pamoja Bid Win
Tanzania will be among the countries hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in 2027.
This is another milestone for Tanzania to host such major football competitions in its history.
It was not easy for Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda to win the bid due to the fact that Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, and Botswana, supported by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), also vied for the honour.
The commitment of three heads of state—President Hassan, Kenya’s William Ruto, and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni—was instrumental in securing the bid, celebrated as a victory for all East African countries.
President Hassan and her counterparts stood at the forefront of the bid, supporting the movement from its inception.
With the 2027 tournament drawing near, President Hassan has already promised that the country will achieve its goals ahead of hosting the Afcon finals, including the timely completion of two new modern football stadiums in Arusha and Dodoma, ensuring high quality.
Serengeti Girls in India FIFA World Cup 2022
In football, we have also witnessed success in national teams, whereby the U-17 national women’s team (Serengeti Girls) made history by being the first team to qualify for the finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in India.
The government played a pivotal role in supporting the team, facilitating an overseas residential camp in England where they participated in a series of build-up matches.
Tembo Warriors in Amputee World Cup 2022, Turkey
Tanzania was among 24 teams that featured in the 16th/17th edition of the World Cup held in Istanbul, Turkey, from September 30 to October 9.
It was a historical event, as Tanzania was the only East African country to feature in the competition.
The tournament saw only three African nations: Angola, Liberia, and Tanzania.
President Hassan’s commitment to sports enabled the team to have a residential camp at home and abroad, all sponsored by the government.
Twiga Stars qualifications for the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
Another significant achievement in sports development has been attained by the national senior women’s team, the Twiga Stars, as they qualify for the first time to compete in the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024, to be held in Morocco.
Twiga Stars will join other countries such as Ghana, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Tunisia, Algeria, the DR Congo, Mali, Senegal, Nigeria, and hosts Morocco.
The government is toe-to toe with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) in preparations for the team, aiming to do its best.
Taifa Stars in the 2023 Afcon Finals, Ivory Coast
The Tanzania national football team (Taifa Stars) has also made the country proud of its football development.
Taifa Stars made it into the 2023 Afcon finals held in Ivory Coast despite not qualifying for the knockout stage.
The role of the Mama Samia government in the team is also highly appreciated.
National Women’s Golf Team
Last year, Tanzania’s lady golfers showcased their prowess by retaining the East and Central All Africa Challenge Trophy (ECAACT) in a thrilling competition held in Kigali, Rwanda.
Their dominance against formidable opponents from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Mauritius, and Burundi exemplifies the calibre of talent within Tanzania’s sporting community.
Once again, the team was supported by the government on their way to the competition.
National Swimming Team
The national swimming team’s impressive performance led the country to finish second in the 8th Africa Aquatics Zone Three Swimming Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, last year.
The government also provided significant support for the game. These achievements serve as a reminder of the immense talent and potential waiting to be tapped through proper investment and support.
Africa Games (All Africa Games)
The government has spent more than Sh1 billion to send 75 sportsmen and women to the All Africa Games taking place in Accra, Ghana.
Apart from supporting sportsmen and women in Africa’s Games, the government has also been keen on supporting sports, namely amateur boxing, cricket, cycling, judo, the women's football national team, athletics and others.
The government has incurred all costs for the Tanzanian squad in the competition.
Besides that, the government has also supported sports, namely basketball, handball, volleyball, netball, wheelchair tennis, karate, kabaddi, baseball, and others.
