VARIOUS sports projects have been
launched in support of Dodoma capitalization.
On
Union day, April 26, President John Magufuli announced a planned construction
of the ultra-modern arena, bringing once again a whiff of fortune to the
residents of the country’s
central region.
The
president made these remarks at an occasion to mark the 53rd anniversary of the
union between the then Tanganyika and Zanzibar, held for the first time at the
Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma. Construction of the ultra-modern stadium was one of
the projects announced during the visit of King Mohamed VI of Morocco.
The
arrival of the modern stadium complex in the dead centre of the country coincides
with government push for massive transfer of people and services from Dar es
Salaam to the designated capital. The new stadium will cost between 80 and 100
million US dollars (about 200bn/- It will be bigger and better than the current
National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, which had cost about 56bn/-.
But,
the coming of both the new sports complex has not been well received by the
residents, and it seems they will be just onlookers, watching others enjoy
using the facilities. Earlier, Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF) had announced a
plan to construct a golf course in Dodoma for members of the government and
private institutions who shift to Dodoma.
Yet,
the region’s
residents have not responded to the news of the arrival of the said sports
projects. We would like to advice authorities and residents in Dodoma that they
must put in place strategies that will also make them players in the newly
launched sports initiatives.
Putting
into consideration that the modern venue is aimed at making Tanzania host major
continental and world events such as Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals or
Africa Nations Champions for home based players (CHAN) finals, we would suggest
the authorities in Dodoma to start grooming players and athletes who will
effectively use the arenas.
Athletes
come into focus as the new stadium will also host top athletics events such as
the All African Games or World Athletics championships.
It’s
almost late now, but not too late if Dodoma residents decide to run fast to
catch a fast moving sports bandwagon carrying in it football, golf, cricket,
motorsports, lawn tennis and other unpopular sports.
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