The Tanzania national baseball team is scheduled to depart this afternoon for Nairobi, Kenya, where it will compete in the East Africa Baseball5 World Cup Qualifiers.
The regional tournament, which kicks off tomorrow and runs through the following day, will bring together teams from East African nations, including hosts Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The qualifiers are a crucial step toward securing a spot in the upcoming Baseball5 World Cup, a global event that showcases the fast-paced, youth-friendly version of traditional baseball.
Baseball5 is gaining popularity across Africa due to its accessibility and simplified format.
Speaking to The Respondent Online, the head of Tanzania’s delegation, Abubakary Nachiwa, confirmed that the team comprises 12 individuals, including both players and officials.
He expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and emphasized their determination to make the country proud on the regional stage.
“Our preparations have gone well. The players have shown great spirit and commitment. We are aiming to maintain our track record of qualifying for the World Cup,” said Nachiwa.
“Last year, we managed to qualify, but unfortunately, we couldn’t participate due to issues with travel tickets. This time, we are determined to get everything right.”
Nachiwa highlighted the team's experience and resilience, noting that previous challenges have only strengthened their resolve to succeed.
According to him, the current squad is highly motivated and eager to raise Tanzania’s flag high at the tournament.
He called on Tanzanians to rally behind the team and show their support, not only during the tournament but also throughout the preparation phase and beyond.
“We need support from all sectors—fans, stakeholders, and institutions. This is not just about the game; it’s about national pride and development through sports. When we invest in sports, we invest in youth, discipline, and unity,” he added.
The qualifiers are expected to be competitive, with each team aiming for a place in the global event. For Tanzania, this is another opportunity to demonstrate its growing potential in the sport and to inspire more youth to take up baseball5 across the country.
The national team’s participation reflects the broader efforts being made to develop baseball in Tanzania and enhance the country’s presence in international competitions.