We traditionally rely on athletics and boxing for medals, but a lot more obviously needs to be done for other sports if the medals haul is to rise. Such sports include women’s soccer, cycling, swimming and basketball.
With the 2015 All-Africa Games barely three months away, Tanzania’s preparations for the multi-sport event are laughable. Ironically, athletes from other countries--including hosts Congo Brazzaville, Kenya and Ethiopia--have set up camp at home as they scheme on how to steal the show at the games in September.
We traditionally rely on athletics and boxing for medals, but a lot more obviously needs to be done for other sports if the medals haul is to rise. Such sports include women’s soccer, cycling, swimming and basketball.
Unfortunately, the national women’s soccer team has not played even a single trial match since qualifying for the games two or so months ago, with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) blaming that state of affairs on financial constraints.
One wonders what role the ministry responsible for sports and the National Sports Council (NSC) play in preparing our national teams ahead of international competitions. It is annoying indeed as the same problems surface year in, year out.
Athletics Tanzania (AT) and the government have traded accusations on why our runners do not shine in major international competitions. But rather than offer incisive alternatives, some interested parties have chosen to pour vitriol on AT, whose management of the energy-sapping sport has been hitherto impeccable.
While debate is healthy and ought to be encouraged, it is also important for AT’s critics to initiate constructive dialogue that will offer the best solutions to reclaiming our lost glory in high-profile competitions.
As we strive to restore our dented pride, we need to appreciate that this is not the time or forum to settle personal scores. We need to focus on getting All-Africa Games medal prospects on the flight to Congo Brazzaville in September.
