President Samia pledges Sh1 billion reward for Taifa Stars if they win CHAN 2024

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has pledged a generous reward of Sh1 billion to the players and technical bench of the Tanzania national football team, Taifa Stars, if they win the coveted 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) title.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, as part of Tanzania’s official preparations for hosting the tournament.

The incentive is meant to motivate the Taifa Stars to fight hard and represent the nation with pride on the continental stage.

Taifa Stars will face Burkina Faso in the opening match of the tournament on August 2, 2025, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The match, which kicks off at 8pm East Africa Time, will serve as the official launch of the CHAN 2024 tournament.

The hosting rights for the opening game reflect Tanzania’s rising prominence in African football, as well as the confidence shown by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in the country’s ability to organize major international events.

This opportunity follows significant strides made by the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia, which has heavily invested in sports infrastructure, logistics, and capacity building.

According to Prof Kabudi, Tanzania has completed all critical preparations, including the payment of participation and organizational fees, upgrades to match venues and training grounds, establishment of national organizing committees, and arrangements for hospitality, transport, and medical services for all participating teams, CAF officials, and visiting fans.

A recent inspection by CAF Secretary General Veron Mesengo-Omba on July 22, 2025, confirmed that Tanzania is not only ready to host CHAN 2024 but is also well-positioned to organize other major international competitions in the future.

The Secretary General visited facilities in Dar es Salaam, including the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and various training grounds, and expressed his full satisfaction with the progress.

He said Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa will officiate the opening ceremony as the Guest of Honour during the high-stakes match between Taifa Stars and Burkina Faso.

The tournament, branded PAMOJA CHAN 2024, is being co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, and will run from August 2 to August 28, 2025.

Tanzania will host two groups during the competition. Group B, based in Dar es Salaam, features Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Central African Republic, and Madagascar. Meanwhile, Group D will play its matches in Zanzibar at Amaan Stadium, featuring teams from Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, and Congo.

To ensure maximum fan participation, the government has set affordable ticket prices, starting at Sh2,000 for regular seats, Sh5,000 for VIP B, and Sh10,000 for VIP A.

In addition, supporters will enjoy two days of pre-tournament entertainment, including the CHAN Singeli Festival, a cultural music celebration that showcases local talent and builds excitement ahead of the competition.

Minister Kabudi called on Tanzanians to take full advantage of the social and economic opportunities presented by CHAN 2024.

He urged citizens to support Taifa Stars with passion and unity, not only by attending matches but also by participating in the broader benefits brought by the event, such as tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.

He concluded with a message of optimism and pride: “Kombe la Pamoja CHAN 2024 Linakuja Nyumbani!”