Tanzania’s Vice President, Deogratius John Ndejembi, has expressed his desire to see the fierce rivalry between Simba SC and Yanga SC in football extend to basketball, a move aimed at increasing competition, investment and the popularity of the sport in the country.
Ndejembi made the remarks on Sunday, October 18, 2026, while serving as the guest of honour at the basketball final between Dar City and Stein Warriors. He said the growth of basketball would depend on sponsors’ involvement and young people’s willingness to invest their energy and talent in the sport.
“My goal is to one day see basketball make significant progress, just as football has done through Yanga and Simba. This will be possible if sponsors come forward to invest and young people demonstrate their commitment,” Ndejembi said.
During the event, the Vice President also confirmed that he had accepted a request from the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, to become the patron of basketball teams. Ndejembi said his decision was driven by his love for the sport and his desire to see it continue to grow.
His remarks highlight the importance of attracting sponsors, developing young talent and building a competitive environment that can raise the profile of basketball in Tanzania. However, achieving the desired progress will require cooperation among stakeholders, sustained investment and strong systems for developing the sport.
