AFTER many miserable years of fruitlessly trying to advance past the group stage to the last eight of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), Taifa Stars finally took one gigantic stride forward by claiming a coveted spot in the quarterfinals of the ongoing CHAN finals, which is truly an unprecedented accomplishment.

Needless to say, it is starkly clear that Taifa Stars have wonderfully entered into uncharted territory this year at the CHAN finals, which is being jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

Despite the sheer scale of our heroes’ achievement, we must all remember that Taifa Stars will face-off against the mighty Morocco in the last eight of the ongoing CHAN finals.

Therefore, it is hoped that with the unwavering support of the home fans, our Taifa Stars can continue to play lights out football, which will hopefully enable our national team to overcome the Atlas Lions of Morocco in their high stakes quarterfinal showdown.

Switching gears now, let us ponder upon our readiness for the Commonwealth Games, which will take place in Scotland next year.

It should be noted here that Tanzania outstandingly garnered three medals at the last edition of the Commonwealth Games, which memorably took place in 2022 in Birmingham, England.

Considering the enormous esteem in which the Commonwealth Games are held, one hopes that our athletes, who will partake in the mega sporting event next year, can begin to prepare forthwith for the perennially drama-filled sporting spectacle, which is the Commonwealth Games.

It should be recalled that we have only one year left to sufficiently prepare for the 2026 Commonwealth Games to be held in Scotland.

It can be clearly seen then that in a hugely concerning way, time is already running out for us to undertake intensive preparations for the Games next year.

Indeed, as recent evidence so vividly demonstrates, our overall dismal performance at the Paris Olympics last year might have been averted if our athletes had been thoroughly prepared for the Summer Games last year.

Hope springs eternal, though, that our preparations for the Commonwealth Games next year can begin speedily so as to evade a potentially lacklustre display at the Games.

Let us now return to football, whereby our national amputee football team is presently looking for funds that will facilitate their participation at the CECAFA Amputee Football Competition, which is due to kick-off on September 8, this year in Burundi.

The Tanzania Amputee Football Federation is planning to launch a huge fundraising effort in a bid to secure the much-needed funds that will enable the national amputee football team to set up a residential training camp for their participation at the CECAFA Amputee Football Tournament.

In addition, the funds, once secured, will cover all travel and participation costs for the team, fondly nicknamed 'Tembo Warriors'.

Of course, it goes without saying that this writer and all of his compatriots are united in the hope that the immensely needed and vital funds can be obtained so as to greatly aid the 'Tembo Warriors’ participation in the CECAFA Amputee Football Championship this year.