Koshien baseball/softball development project thrives in Tanzania

Tanzania, the first country involved in the Japan-Africa Baseball & Softball Foundation (J-ABS) Africa 55 Koshien Project, continues to see the development programme pay dividends for the growth of the game.

The final of the inaugural Tanzania National Baseball League (TNBL), hosted by the Tanzania Baseball Softball Association (TaBSA) at Koshien Stadium in the nation's capital Dar es Salaam, was held on 8 December with the Tigers beating the Dragons, 5-4.

The first TNBL, which started in April, saw four participating teams (Tigers, Dragons, Giants and Fighters) play each other three times in two rounds. The winner of the first round (Tigers) and the winners of the second round (Dragons) advanced to the final.

Tanzania's Minister of Sports and Culture, Damas Ndumbaro, was the guest of honour on the final day. David Robinson, the youngest son of legendary Jackie Robinson and an advocate of baseball development in Tanzania, also attended.

The Azania Secondary School, Ilala, Dar es Salaam, hosted from 9 to 11 December the 11th Baseball and the seventh Softball Koshien tournament for secondary schools.

Five baseball and three softball teams with a total of approximately 200 players participated in the tournaments.

"The event was a tremendous success, fostering camaraderie among players and families, showcasing impressive talent, and promoting a healthy competitive spirit," stated TaBSA in a press release. "The community came together, creating an atmosphere filled with sportsmanship and enthusiasm for baseball/softball."

The Dar es Salaam Warriors defeated Dodoma the Lions to win the baseball title. Hondogo Ladies (also from Dar es Salaam) beat Zanzibar to earn the softball title.