Tanzania ready to host CHAN finals, government declares

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has officially declared its readiness to host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), following the completion of all necessary infrastructure and facilities ahead of the tournament.

This assurance was given by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, during an exclusive interview with The Citizen.

Msigwa who is also Chief Government Spokesperson confirmed that both competition and training venues are now fully prepared, meeting all the requirements set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

"We are now in top gear as most of the essential infrastructure features are ready. The remaining work is just final touches, which are not major. When it comes to pitches, training grounds, and other aspects highlighted in CAF's inspection directives to Tanzania, all has been completed," said Msigwa.

The two main venues that will host CHAN matches in Tanzania are the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam and the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.

These stadiums, according to Msigwa, have undergone thorough upgrades and are fully compliant with international football standards.

In addition to the main venues, Msigwa also confirmed that three training grounds—the Law School of Tanzania grounds, Major Isamuhyo ground, and the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club—are now complete and ready to be used by participating teams.

“There is also a CAF supervisor already in the country, monitoring our preparations and providing feedback. I can confidently say that we are 100 percent ready,” said Msigwa.

CAF's earlier inspection focused not only on stadiums and pitches but also extended to other key logistical elements such as medical preparedness and accommodation.

Msigwa noted that Tanzania has met all requirements on that front as well.

“When CAF came for inspection, they looked into many areas including hotels for teams and officials, medical facilities, and general logistics. I can say with confidence that we are in a very good position medically, and our hotels are ready. We’re now just waiting for the tournament to kick off,” he said.

The 2024 CHAN tournament, which features national teams composed exclusively of players active in domestic leagues, is scheduled to begin on August 2.

This year’s edition will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, marking the first time the tournament will be held jointly by three East African nations.

The successful completion of Tanzania's preparations represents a major milestone not only for the country’s sporting sector but also for its regional and continental standing.

Hosting a high-profile CAF tournament like CHAN is expected to boost tourism, generate economic benefits, and further promote the growth of football in the country.

With the infrastructure now in place and logistical systems operational, Tanzania is poised to play a key role in delivering a historic and memorable CHAN 2024.