MWANZA RESIDENT DEMANDS AFCON TOURNAMENT
By Nashon Kennedy, Mwanza
As Tanzania prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), football stakeholders in Mwanza have intensified calls for the city to be included among the official host venues, citing its strategic location, growing infrastructure, and strong football culture.
A Strategic Gateway to the Great Lakes Region
Stakeholders argue that Mwanza’s geographical position gives it a unique advantage. The city serves as a key commercial and transport hub linking Tanzania with neighboring countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Speaking to the DIMA Online, football stakeholder Hamduni Mariseli noted that hosting AFCON matches in Mwanza would enable thousands of fans from across the Great Lakes region to attend games easily and affordably.
“Mwanza is a major commercial hub for Great Lakes countries. Hosting matches here would attract fans from neighboring nations and boost regional participation,” he said.
Improved Infrastructure and Economic Capacity
Mwanza has experienced significant infrastructure development in recent years, strengthening its case as a potential AFCON host city.
Key factors highlighted include:
The presence of CCM Kirumba Stadium, which can accommodate over 25,000 spectators.
Increased investment in hotels and hospitality services. Improved road networks, including the J.P. Magufuli Bridge. A busy airport handling numerous domestic flights daily.
The Chairman of the Mwanza Regional Football Association (MZFA), Vedastus Rufano, emphasized that the city has the human resources, financial capacity, and fan base required to successfully host matches.
“With its strong fan base, financial capacity, and improved infrastructure, Mwanza is well positioned to host a tournament of this magnitude,” he said.
A Passionate Football Region Left Out
The Lake Zone, which includes Mwanza, is widely regarded as one of Tanzania’s most passionate football regions.
However, it has not been included among the selected host cities, which currently include Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha, and Dodoma.
This exclusion has raised concerns among stakeholders, who believe it denies a large and vibrant football community the opportunity to participate directly in the tournament.
Football enthusiast Bhiku Kotecha argued that Mwanza’s inclusion would significantly enhance the tournament atmosphere due to its large and energetic fan base.
Tourism Potential and Economic Impact
Beyond football, Mwanza offers significant tourism opportunities. The city is located near globally renowned attractions such as Serengeti National Park and Rubondo Island.
Stakeholders believe that AFCON visitors would take advantage of these attractions, boosting Tanzania’s tourism sector and generating additional national revenue.
Former footballer Fumo Felician noted that hosting AFCON matches in Mwanza would stimulate both local and national economic growth through increased business activities and tourism.
Lessons from Previous AFCON Tournaments
Experience from previous AFCON tournaments shows that not all host cities require international airports. During the 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast, some host cities operated successfully despite lacking international airports, relying on connections from major cities.
A football stakeholder and the Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Said Mtanda, speaking during a ceremony held to congratulate Pamba Jiji FC for returning to the Premier League.
This precedent suggests that Mwanza, with its existing airport and improved transport network, is capable of hosting international matches.
A Rich Football History
Mwanza has a long-standing football legacy. CCM Kirumba Stadium has hosted major matches, including a memorable 2007 clash between Tanzania’s national team (Taifa Stars) and Senegal.
In 1985, Simba SC recorded a historic 2–1 victory over Egyptian giants Al Ahly at the same venue—one of the most celebrated moments in Tanzanian club football.
Mwanza presents a compelling case for inclusion among AFCON 2027 host cities. Its strategic location, improving infrastructure, passionate fan base, and tourism potential position it as a strong candidate.
Stakeholders are now urging the government and the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to reconsider their decision and ensure that the Lake Zone is not left out of this historic continental event.
Hosting AFCON matches in Mwanza would not only celebrate football but also unlock significant economic and social benefits for the city, the Lake Zone, and Tanzania as a whole.
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