Local News
Improved Infrastructure Secured CHAN 2024 Rights, Says Kabwanga
The media officer of Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF), Mohamed Kabwanga, has revealed how the installation of ultra-modern sports infrastructure earned his country hosting rights for some games at the ongoing Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2024)
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sports247, made possible through corporate support by Showtime, a reliable football development brand, Kabwanga said at the competition’s venue that everybody in Zanzibar is happy with their chance to host matches of Group D.
Nigeria, Senegal, Congo, and Sudan are the four countries situated on the Indian Ocean island nation, which has a semi-autonomous government running in liaison with that of mainland Tanzania, hence Kabwanya’s delight that Zanzibar were considered good enough to host some of CHAN 2024’s matches.
He gleefully disclosed, “We do feel well. It’s the first time for Zanzibar to host CHAN. We are happy with the teams of Group D playing here … I mean Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Senegal and Sudan.
“We do feel very well, and we are so happy because of this kind of opportunity. To get this chance means we deserve it; with good infrastructure and everything that is needed.”
While acknowledging that many advantages come with hosting the championship,
Kabwanga expressed satisfaction that his country was able to put in place all the necessary things to stage the competition in the same flawless way every other nation had before them.
He added, “We have provided everything needed for this competition; the same way that was done by those countries who have been hosting big tournaments like CAF Champions League, AFCON, or CHAN. So, for Zanzibar to have this opportunity to host CHAN, we are very happy.
“We also know the advantages of hosting this kind of competition. One of the advantages is that, economically, people are getting money and many other things that show the importance of having this kind of tournament in our country.”
He concluded by giving plaudits to Zanzibar’s president, Hussein Ali Mwinyi, and others before him, for marshalling a regime that made upgrading of sports facilities and installation of modern infrastructure their priority.
Kabwanga revealed, “Things have been changing, and they have changed because of different leaders that we have.
“Right now, we have a president called Hussein Alihassan Mwinyi. Since we have this kind of leader, we have improved in our sports infrastructure.”
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