Something has changed in Ndondo Cup -- the toilets!

Dar es Salaam. The Ndondo Cup, which kicked off almost a month ago, is now inching towards its ‘home stretch.’

Although some soccer fans might not see the glamour that is associated with high profile local games, it is quite certain that something has changed at the two stadiums that host this tournament.

The Kinesi Stadium in the Ubungo municipality of Dar es Salam City has seen its toilet facilities gain a facelift, making it a friendly place to go into during matches.

In the past, the toilets at the venue were in a sorry state. But - thanks to the Usichukulie Poa campaign, which partnered with the tournament’s organisers - it now has toilets that are well taken care of.

Speaking to The Citizen yesterday, Ndondo Cup coordinator Shafi Dauda said many local stadiums lack the proper toilet facilities, which is a major put off for many fans, especially women who fear contracting diseases such as urinary tract infections.

The toilets at the football grounds, according to him, do not mirror the beautiful game that attracts thousands of fans to go to the ground in search for entertainment.

According to him, in some venues even where there are toilets, the issue of sanitation remains a critical one because, in most cases, there is no water to wash hands after using the facility.

“But in our case, our partnership with the Usichukulie Poa campaign has been of great help. And many fans have praised the efforts because they now feel comfortable using the toilets given the hygiene standards,” says Dauda.

Revellers, too, seem to be in high spirits as they see a whole new change in the stadium’s facilities.

Omary Shaban is Faru Jeuri supporter who has been coming to the stadium for the past three editions, but he has never come with his young son because the toilets were a major problem.

“What the organisers have done is quite commendable and now, as you can see, I came with both my daughter and son because I am sure it won’t be a challenge when they want to ease themselves,” says Shaban.

He has called upon officials of other stadiums to emulate the Kinesi’s example, saying football is more than just a game on the pitch, because there is plenty that goes on before and after the game.

“When we come here, we want to come with our wives and even meet new friends, but how can you even think of bringing your family at a place that can become a potential breeding ground for diseases,” he says.

Sanitation campaign was last month given a boost with Members of Parliament (MPs) pledging to fundraise some Sh3.5 billion, which is meant to construct model toilets in 264 constituencies countrywide.

The MPs, who were led by women legislators, managed to raise some Sh1.45 billion in Dodoma for the initiative.

The ‘Usichukulie Poa’ campaign builds on ongoing efforts that address the sanitation and hygiene issue in Tanzania through the ‘Mtu ni Afya’ campaign, and the National Sanitation Campaign Phase 1 that was implemented between 2012 and 2016.