Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE government has reiterated its dedication to advancing sports development across the country, with a strong emphasis on empowering women athletes and celebrating sporting excellence.
This commitment was stressed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, during a special handover ceremony held to honour the national women’s football team, Twiga Stars.
During the event, the team received a 50m/- award in recognition of their historic qualification for the 2025 African Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to take place in Morocco next year.
Msigwa commended the players for their exceptional determination and hard work, noting that their achievement has placed Tanzania firmly on the continental football stage.
“The recognition reinforces the value of women’s participation in sports. For many years, women’s football has struggled for visibility and adequate support. By publicly honouring Twiga Stars, the government sends a powerful message that women athletes deserve equal appreciation and opportunities,” he said.
Msigwa further emphasised that the gesture goes beyond reward as it strengthens unity and national pride.
“Twiga Stars’ qualification for WAFCON is a historic milestone that elevates Tanzania’s profile across Africa. Celebrating such success brings our people together and enhances the nation’s image in regional and international competitions. It also proves that with the right support and commitment, Tanzanian teams can shine on major stages,” Msigwa added.
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He stressed that the award reflects the government’s broader strategy to invest in and promote sports development.
By allocating resources and publicly recognising outstanding performance, the Ministry aims to inspire continuous progress in football and other sporting disciplines.
On his part, Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Vice-President, Idrissa Nassoro, applauded the government’s gesture, noting that such acknowledgment strengthens collaboration between stakeholders.
“This kind of endorsement motivates coaches, athletes, sponsors and regional associations to work collectively toward elevating the country’s sporting standards,” he said.
Nassoro added that when the federation recognises the ministry’s commitment, it boosts public confidence in ongoing initiatives designed to improve infrastructure, enhance athlete development and promote sports from grassroots to professional levels.
