Africa-Press – Tanzania. TANZANIA’S national cross-country athletics team is scheduled to depart on Tuesday for the United States ahead of the World Cross Country Championship that will commence on January 10th in Tallahassee, Florida.
The team will compete without a coach or team officials after all accompanying leaders failed to secure United States entry visas, a development that has raised concern within the local athletics community.
Tanzania Athletics Federation President Roghat John confirmed that visas were issued to only nine athletes, while the rest of the delegation, including head coach Andrew Panga, was denied clearance.
“To facilitate the trip, Tanzania Athletics Federation was required to deposit a security bond of 90,000 US dollar (222m/-), with each athlete contributing 10,000 US dollar (24.7m/-). The amount will be refunded once the team returns home.” John said.
He added that part of the funds was raised with support from leading Tanzanian distance runners Alphonce Simbu and Gabriel Geay, alongside other stakeholders and well-wishers. The squad includes senior athletes Gabriel Geay, Emmanuel Dinday, Benjamin Ferdinand and Inyasi Sulle.
The mixed relay team comprises Daniel Sinda, Ambrose Amba, Regina Mpigachai and Elizabeth Ilanda. Despite the absence of technical officials, the team remains focused. Geay will captain the side, which is due to depart via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya.
