Tanzanian cricket looks to go ‘Afro' (5 Dec 1999)

5 December 1999

Tanzanian cricket looks to go `Afro'

Cricket in Tanzania is in a transitional stage as it attempts to transcend its South Asian roots to take a more mainstream position in the country's sporting market.

Presently played in three cities, Dar Es Salaam, Tanga and Arusha, the Tanzania Cricket Association is embarking on a development programme aimed at introducing the game to the underprivileged masses.

The TCA is hopeful a current ICC Development scheme kickstarted by ICC Africa Development Officer, Mr. Hoosain Ayob, will see a national schools tournament involving teams from all of Tanzania's 22 regions by 2002.

The programme will need to spark a widespread acceptance of cricket amongst the indigenous African population if the TCA is to meet its immediate goal - stand-alone Associate status of the ICC.

A certain level of indigenous participation is usually a requirement for being granted that status.

Tanzania will have the opportunity to further strengthen its position at February's Africa Cricket Association Cup in Nairobi, Kenya.

The national side for the ACA Cup will be selected after next month's tournament involving representative teams from Dar Es Salaam, Tanga and Arusha.

Funding is the biggest problem facing cricket's growth with Tanzania's National Sports Council providing no financial support and the game so far unable to attract sponsorship.

Despite this cricket has solid leagues in the three centres.

Dar Es Salaam, which hosted the recent East and Central Africa Cricket Association annual championship, has 10 clubs which compete in five tournaments in the eight month season.

Agakhan Sports Club won the last Sokiene League Cup, ahead of the Upanga Club, while Union Friends took out the DTV Cup ahead of Annadil Burhani. Annadil had snared the KJ Knockout Cup beating Agakhan in the final.

Other Dar Es Salaam clubs are Dar Gymkhana, Dar Brotherhood Sports Club, Union Sports Club, Union Friends Sports Club, Ekta Sports Club, Eaglets Sports Club and Shahab Sports Club.

The Cricket Association of Tanga administers competitions in the coastal town, which is situated 386kms from Dar Es Salaam.

Seven clubs there - Tanga Yacht Club, Popatlal Secondly, Burhani Sports Club, Tawaqqal Sports Club, Bharat Sports Club, Ithnasheri Union Sports and Sakrani Club - contest six tournaments.

TYC, Burhani SC and Popatlal had the most success in the last season, with TYC winner of the Sadikot League and runner-up in the Cricket Association of Tanga League, Burhani winner of both the CAT League and Nyeroso Knockout Cup, while Popatlal was runner-up in the Sadikot League and Nyeroso Knockout Cup.

Arusha, based in the northern region of Tanzania, is one of the country's main areas for tourism, based not far from Mt.Kilimanjaro, as well as Ngorongone Crater and Lake Manyara National Game Park.

Kili Meru Sports Club took out the last Arusha Region Cricket Association League home & away series, ahead of Izzi Sports Club. Izzi took solace in its win in the KLM Cup, where it defeated Swamibapa. Swamibapa had revenge in the Allianceair competition, beating Izzi Sports Club.