AT A CROSSROADS: Soccer freestyle queen: Whither untapped potential in Tanzania?
There is no doubt that Tanzania is one of the greatest motherlands on earth.
In the pool of nations, Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere made us famous for our political integrity in dealing with the world.
In the world of tourism, we are greatly known for world-class natural resources endowments; great water bodies like lakes, unique minerals like tanzanite, and countless flora and fauna. For we Tanzanians- visitors give us the hallmark of kindness and friendliness, no wonder cultural tourism has been picking up, which is people centric unlike wildlife tourism.
In the world of convectional soccer, in East Africa we are known for the high energy passion the masses have either for Simba SC or Young Africans (Yanga) SC, although at the world stage, we have not been doing well. Say for Street Child World Cup, where at one time Tanzania won
But thanks to one woman, she has brought Tanzania’s talent (soccer) in great limelight across the globe. As we celebrate the International Women’s Day, I am happy to celebrate her! The lady, Hadhara Charles Mjeje, has been budded by the international media as Soccer freestyle queen. The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, described her talent as amazing.
This was after a clip video featuring Mjeje went viral. She has been seen juggling a ball spectacularly. The clip, demonstrates her soccer mastery skills- she can control the ball using her feet, head, shoulders etc.
The lady is described as a specialist in the art of freestyle soccer- which, according to CNN, is “based on juggling and tricks with the ball using any part of the body.”
Akin Sawyerr - twitter handle @AkinSawyerr shared a clip showcasing Mjeje, and the caption was apt: “Talent is evenly distributed, opportunity isn’t.” On that, this time, it caught the attention of the powers that be- the President of America, Donald Trump.
After that-the news of the impressive talent was reported by many news sites across the world- in and out of Africa. CNN put it that the lady might change the perception about Tanzania’s soccer, “thanks to the skills of soccer freestyle queen Hadhara Charles.”
It was not only Donald Trump, who was impressed by her skills, many other celebrities across the world, too were amazed. Hopefully, Trump, after being impressed, maybe he can invite the talented girl to the White House!
Reading about her life, it has not been an easy ride. She started playing soccer on her own from the age of 12. She has represented Tanzania in freestyler soccer in events in Kenya, Malawi, Gabon, Cameroon, South Africa, Mozambique and Ethiopia.
We have seen what a great skill she has, and companies in Tanzania should seize the opportunity to sponsor her. With her skills, she has brought great honour to the country. Her story is very inspiring but also challenging. We have millions of Tanzanians with great talent, but how can we make those talent to pay? How do we make the potential in soccer, music, and other games, turn into reality and bring economic advantages to those involved?
In all, her story reminds us that - our families, community and the nation at large should encourage our children/youths to come out and play their skills, for their potential to come out. If we support them and the nation offers them an environment to grow and make money using their talent, it will bring great honour to the dear motherland.
Dear Hadhara, I am very proud of you. I am sure so many other Tanzanians are. You are using your talent to earn a living. Please continue with the good work demonstrating your unique and impressive soccer skills, for your good and for the good of mother Tanzania. Well done.
Saumu Jumanne is an Assistant Lecturer, Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE)
