EFFORTS to promote cricket in Tanzania are gaining more backing, given Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) held the Criiio Cricket Festival in Tanga last week.

A TCA official pointed out that cricket spirit was alive and thriving at the Korogwe Centre, located at the Korogwe Teachers Training College (TTC), which hosted the showdown.

According to the official, the Criiio Cricket Festival brought together young boys and girls in a celebration of passion, talent, and unity through the sport.

As was the case in other cricket centres across Tanzania, Korogwe hosted the festival attracting boys and girls.

Thirty-two teams, made up of 320 players, battled it out in the festival under the supervision of 16 coaches.

The boys’ final had Nyerere B walking away with the top honour following their victory over Nyerere A.

Nyerere B cricketers, moreover, had the last laugh in the girls’ final, claiming victory over Majengo.

The official stated that the finalists were awarded trophies and stationery items, recognizing their hard work and sportsmanship.

To make the day even more special, the official added, lunch was served to all participating players.

A key feature of the Korogwe festival, he added, was the strong visual branding of Criiio, with a special focus on empowering women in cricket.

Such a branding targeted to inspire the next generation of female athletes to rise and shine.

The energy, enthusiasm, and unity displayed in Korogwe, the TCA official revealed, is a clear sign that the future of cricket in Tanzania is bright and inclusive.

The national cricket governing body had earlier hosted a similar festival at the Pandambili Centre in Dodoma.

The festival was held at the Mnadani grounds, attracting young talents eager to showcase their skills and passion for cricket.

About 32 teams, 16 of which were boys and as many made up of girls, participated in the festival with 16 coaches supervising the youngsters. 

Nhembo B held sway in the boys' event, making it to the final and beating Chimehe to the trophy.

In the girls' final, Nhembo B youngsters outshone Nhembo A to walk away with the top honour.

The Criiio Cricket Festival, he stressed, continues to create a pathway for future cricketers, inspiring the next generation to embrace the sport. 

With every tournament, the official pointed out, TCA takes another step toward strengthening grassroots cricket in Tanzania.