Today, the leadership and players of Young Africans (Yanga) Football Club visited the Tabora Wildlife Park, popularly known as Tabora Zoo, as part of efforts to promote domestic tourism and support the government’s initiatives to highlight Tanzania's tourist attractions.
The visit was led by Yanga's President, Engineer Hersi Said, alongside notable players from the club.
In his remarks following the visit, Engineer Hersi Said explained that the primary aim of the trip was to demonstrate Yanga’s contribution to fostering domestic tourism and to show solidarity with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts in promoting the country's rich tourism offerings.
“Our visit today is a part of our efforts to contribute to the growth of domestic tourism. It’s also a way of encouraging Tanzanians to explore our own attractions, thereby boosting the national economy,” he said.
Aligning with President Samia Suluhu Hassan's vision to expand domestic tourism, the Yanga President called on Tanzanians, particularly those from Tabora and surrounding regions, to visit the wildlife park and continue contributing to the economy through tourism.
He underscored that Yanga, as one of the country’s premier football clubs, has a unique role to play in not only driving social causes but also advancing economic activities like tourism.
Hersi also extended his praise to the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) for their tireless work in improving the park’s tourism infrastructure.
“I commend TAWA for their exceptional hospitality and the high-quality services they offer. These improvements are crucial to enhancing our domestic tourism and ensuring that our attractions gain international recognition,” he stated.
On his part, Wilbright Munuo, the Senior Conservation Assistant Commissioner for the Western Region and Acting Commander of the region, emphasized the importance of Tabora Wildlife Park in promoting domestic tourism.
Munuo highlighted that the park plays an essential role in encouraging the community to protect wildlife and preserve the environment.
He urged Tanzanians to collaborate with the government in safeguarding wildlife and their habitats for the benefit of future generations.
“We must continue to protect our wildlife so that future generations can witness and appreciate these resources. This is integral to achieving our national conservation and development goals,” he said.
The Yanga players expressed their excitement about the visit, sharing their admiration for the various wildlife attractions within the park.
Prominent players like Pacome, Diarra, Jonas Mkude, and Clement Mzize were particularly captivated by Simba the lion, one of the park’s major highlights.
Pacome and Diarra shared how impressed they were with the park’s beautiful surroundings and the impressive wildlife, with Simba being one of the most memorable animals they encountered.
The Yanga team’s visit to Tabora Wildlife Park followed their 3-0 victory over Tabora United in the Premier League, showcasing the team’s commitment to both football and promoting national causes.