editor
The Taifa Stars, Tanzania’s national football team, were handsomely rewarded with 60 million Tanzanian shillings after a convincing 2–0 victory over Burkina Faso in the opening match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The match, held at the iconic Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, was more than just a football event — it was a celebration of national pride, performance, and culture. The Singeli music–infused CHAN Festival added a uniquely Tanzanian rhythm to the night, turning the stadium and surrounding areas into a carnival of song and dance.
Immediately after the final whistle, President Samia Suluhu Hassan offered TSh 20 million to the Taifa Stars, which was delivered in person by Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Palamagamba Kabudi.
The minister then personally pledged another TSh 20 million, followed by Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, who added his own TSh 20 million, raising the reward total to TSh 60 million.
“This win proves that football can unite the country and lift our spirits,” said Minister Kabudi. “It’s a sign of where Tanzania is heading—not just in sport, but in culture and unity.”
The CHAN tournament, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is different from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in that it features only players who play in their country’s domestic league.
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This year’s edition is being jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda—a historic first for the East African region.
The Taifa Stars are competing in Group B, alongside Madagascar, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic.
The Stars took the lead with a penalty just before halftime and sealed the win with a second goal — a towering header in the 71st minute. The home crowd erupted, and moments later, the pulsating beats of Singeli — a fast-paced Tanzanian music genre — took over the stadium, giving the night a vibrant local flavor.
The fusion of football and music created a powerful atmosphere that resonated not just in the stadium, but across the city.
President Samia has introduced a bold performance-based incentive for the team:
- TSh 10 million per goal in the group and quarterfinal stages
- TSh 15 million per goal in the semifinals
- TSh 20 million per goal in the final
- And a TSh 1 billion reward if the team goes all the way and wins the tournament
The 2–0 win over Burkina Faso means the team has already pocketed an additional TSh 20 million from the goal-based scheme — on top of the group bonus.
Tanzania’s next match in the group stage will test their consistency and hunger to advance further. But with strong home support, cultural celebration, and serious financial motivation, the Taifa Stars seem poised for a memorable run.
Fans remain hopeful that this will be the year Tanzania makes its mark in CHAN history, not only as a host but as a potential continental champion.
