Did you know that in 2024, the United Republic of Tanzania will celebrate 60 years since the unification of Tanganyika and Zanzibar? It was the same year, in 1964, that my mum, now a retired senior citizen was born somewhere in Mwanza, the endeared ‘Rock City’ of Tanzania. Read along, because this is where my love story about Tanzania begins!
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| Dar Es Salaam City | Photo courtesy |
The Arsenal Africa Fans Festival (AAFF) returns to Tanzania for a memorable experience this Easter from March 29th to April 1st. With over 400 fans confirmed the atmosphere is set to be electric. And with maternal roots in Tanzania, I was delighted to attend the 1st edition of the AAFF in Dar Es Salaam, back in 2017.
This annual extravaganza, organized by passionate fans across the continent, promises to be an exhilarating blend of sports tourism, cultural exchange, community charity activities, and, of course, a thrilling match screening! In the previous editions, the festival took place in Rwanda (2018), Kenya (2019), and Uganda (2023). It is now back to Tanzania in 2024 this time bigger and better. And in case you didn’t know, Tanzania is a country of many firsts including, giving birth to the first female president in East Africa! What a time to be alive.
The Charity Before Charity
This edition’s charity shall include a partnership with the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) to help four kids born with heart defects through financial support. The required amount is USD 6,200, and fundraising is ongoing among participating countries.
In an official circular dated February 29, 2024, shared by the organizing committee, the deadline for the contribution has been set for March 25, 2024. Mr. Peter Mboye is the recipient of the contribution as the bonafide representative of the Arsenal Tanzania Supporters Club on matters of charity.
The Clash of Titans – Arsenal Vs Manchester
City
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| English Premier League standing |
Since its inception, the AAFF has been a beacon of unity, bringing together fans from diverse backgrounds to celebrate their shared love for the beautiful game. The 4th edition in Kampala, Uganda had fans watch the Arsenal vs Liverpool game at Coco Beach in Entebbe. As the English Premier League heats up, Arsenal finds itself in a very familiar territory, on top of the table, and as Asake melodiously sings, it is indeed very lonely at the top.
From winning Manager of the Month in February to having the highest goals scored, we as Arsenal are ready to test City's mettle in a final before the finals meltdown. The stage is set, and the host nation has chosen the iconic Wavuvi Kempu Lounge as the battleground for this epic showdown. Brace yourselves for a match that will keep pulses racing and hearts pounding as two footballing giants go head-to-head in a battle for supremacy.
The Land of Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and
the Serengeti
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| Mt. Kilimanjaro | Photo courtesy |
Ever heard the joke that; “Mt. Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania but Kenya gets the best views?” It’s true, even ChatGPT agrees with this banter. Now, imagine standing in awe at the majestic snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, its summit seemingly touching the sky. Then, picture yourself strolling along the pristine white sands of Zanzibar's idyllic beaches, the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean lapping at your feet. And don't forget the Serengeti, where the endless plains come alive with the sights and sounds of the Great Migration, one of nature's most breathtaking spectacles. Tanzania's rich tapestry of landscapes, from lush rainforests to vast savannas, offers a feast for the senses and a journey of discovery like no other. So, as you embark on your adventure to Tanzania, prepare to be enchanted by the vibrant streets of Dar es Salaam to the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria, where every moment is a new and unforgettable experience #unforgettableTanzania.
Things You Should Know About Tanzania
- 1. The official language is Swahili.
2. Known as the “Cradle of Mankind”.
3. Home to over 120 ethnic groups, each with a unique language, traditions, and customs.
4. Tanzania shares her borders with 8 countries i.e. Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Burundi, Malawi, Mozambique, DRC.
5. Tanzania provided sanctuary to exiled leaders like Jomo Kenyatta and Milton Obote during times of political upheaval in Kenya and Uganda, respectively.
6. Tanzania mediated peace talks during the Rwandan genocide and negotiations to end the South Sudanese civil war.
7. Tanzania provided support to Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe during the struggle for independence.
Home of Kariakoo Derby
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| Simba fans in a past match | photo courtesy |
This March 29th and 30th, Dar Es Salaam proudly hosts two
monumental clashes: Simba Sports Club faces off against Al Ahly of Egypt in the
CAF Champions League quarter-finals, while Young Africans Football Club (Yanga)
prepares to host Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa. This is a moment where
history will be made, and legends will be born, as Dar es Salaam's football giants
rise to their destinies on both local and international stages. Don your team's
jersey and prepare for an unforgettable showdown at The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where
the spirit of Dar es Salaam shines brighter than ever before.
The People of Tanzania
There is no doubt that it was coup de
foudre with Tanzania and that’s why I visited the country six times before
deciding to settle here the seventh time. Maybe it is the lingering charms of
my mother, but here is the thing, for every visit there was always a culture shock.
Things you didn't know about
Tanzanians (disclaimer! very personal biased observations)
2. Tanzanians drink a lot of soda.
3. Soup is a very popular substitute for tea as a breakfast meal.
4. Tanzanians are very respectful.
5. Tanzanians overcrowd their matatus/dalali and they are okay with that.
6. Tanzanians are over-generous with good food portions, more than Ugandans.
7. Tanzanian waitresses don't mind being touched inappropriately by male customers.
8. Tanzanians don't want dual citizenship and are afraid of foreigners taking up a bigger share of what belongs to them.
9. In Dar Es Salaam, most women are light-skinned. Dark complexion women/ladies are 'unpopular'.
10. Tanzanians 'over greet' each other.
11. Tanzanian men love better.
12. Tanzanians who have a good grasp of the English language almost certainly speak better with well-pronounced words.
But hey, I could be wrong. It's for me to know and for you to find out! So, fellow Arsenal fans, mark your calendars and
prepare for an unforgettable journey to Tanzania. Let's come together to
celebrate our passion for football, give back to the community, promote sports tourism, forge lasting friendships, and create
memories that will last a lifetime.
See you at the Arsenal Africa Fans Festival! #turudidar2024 #visittanzania #tanzaniaunforgettable #karibudar
Yours in football, Your girl,
Lisa Biwott.
Follow on Twitter:
Arsenal Supporters Club Tanzania
Official hashtag for the event:
#turudidar2024
#karibudar2024
#tanzaniaunforgettable
#visittanzania
With utmost regards and sincere appreciation to:
Arsenal Supporters Club Tanzania (ASCT)
ASCT Organizing Committee
Mr. Peter Mboye
Mr. Michael Muniko
Mr. Meshack
Mr. Abraham
Ms. Jacky
Mr. Kulwa Bandala
The writer of this article is a lifetime goonerette, who attended all the first four editions of the Arsenal Africa Fans Festival in Dar es Salaam, Kigali, Mombasa and Kampala.
