By Majuto Omary, Sports Reporter
Arusha, Tanzania — A new state-of-the-art stadium is set to grace the Arusha region, and it carries a significant honor: it is expected to be named after President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The proposed name pays tribute to President Samia’s remarkable contributions to sports, arts, and culture, which have propelled Tanzania toward significant development.
The stadium, projected to accommodate 30,000 seats, will find its home in the Olmonti Ward of the region. Culture, Arts, and Sports Permanent Secretary Gerson Msigwa revealed this exciting development during a special program hosted by Wasafi Radio on March 12, 2024.
While the proposed name awaits President Samia’s approval, it stands as a testament to her impactful leadership. The stadium’s construction is part of Tanzania’s ambitious efforts to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals, which will also be co-hosted by Kenya and Uganda.
The land earmarked for the stadium covers approximately 36.1 acres and falls under the ownership of the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports. Construction is expected to commence in April this year, with an estimated completion time of 18 to 24 months.
In addition to the Arusha stadium, the renovation of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam is progressing well. The entire seating, totaling 60,000, will be replaced with new ones, resulting in a remarkable transformation. The refurbishment is slated for completion by August 24, 2024.
Tanzania has a tradition of naming stadiums after its former presidents. The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium honors the late president of the third phase government, Benjamin Mkapa. Other stadiums include the Kambarage Stadium in Shinyanga, named after the founding President, Julius Kambarage Nyerere, and the Ali Hassan Mwinyi Stadium in Tabora, named after the president of the second phase government, Ali Hassan Mwinyi.
As the Arusha stadium takes shape, it symbolizes not only sporting excellence but also the enduring legacy of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. If approved, it will proudly bear her name, forever etched into the nation’s sporting history. 🏟️🇹🇿
Source: The Citizen
