Inter-College SportsCompetition ends in glory: talent, teamwork, and triumph take centre stage
By Jackson Isdory, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam burst into celebration as the 2025 Inter-College Sports Competition concluded in spectacular fashion on Saturday, 10 May, at the Azam Sports Arena in Chamazi.
A flagship event on UDSM’s extracurricular calendar, the competition not only displayed exceptional sporting talent but also symbolised the unity, diversity, and dynamism of the university’s student body,embodying the institution’s inclusive spirit.
For several thrilling days, the university’s sports grounds pulsed with energy as students from various colleges, schools, and institutes engaged in spirited yet friendly competition. Events ranged from football and basketball to swimming and traditional games, offering a vibrant platform for talent development, physical fitness, and community building.
The tournament’s success was widely attributed to the effective leadership of Mr. Tyson Lucas Kwigendaho, President of the Dar es Salaam University Students Organisation (DARUSO), whose cabinet coordinated the event with notable discipline, transparency, and inclusivity.
“This competition is more than a showcase of physical ability, it reflects our collective purpose, perseverance, and the extraordinary potential of UDSM students,” said Mr. Kwigendaho.
He also extended special appreciation to Mr. Lazaro Twange, Managing Director of the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO), for providing Kilimanjaro Express buses to support student transportation during the final rounds. “Such partnerships are vital to promoting equitable access and enhancing student experiences”.
Sporting highlights and champions
The games delivered captivating performances across disciplines. In men’s football, the College of Social Sciences (CoSS) team emerged victorious, followed by the School of Education (SoED) and the College of Humanities (CoHU).
Individual football accolades went to Ibrahim Mbegu (Best Player, SoED), Paul Muya (Top Scorer with 13 goals, CoHU), and Ahmadi Ahmadi Amiri (Best Goalkeeper, CoSS).
Other notable results included: in Netball, the champion was SoED, and the first runner-up was CoHU; while in Basketball the champion was CoHU, and the first runner-up was the College of Engineering and Technology (CoET).
In Volleyball the overall winner was the University of Dar es Salaam Business School (UDBS), and the first runner up was the School of Education while the second runner-up was CoET.
UDSM emerged victorious in the women’s football match between UDSM Queens and Mbagala Queens,. In Swimming, the overall winner was SoED.
Institutional support and stakeholder engagement
Key to the event’s execution was the Directorate of Students Services headed by the Dean of Students, Ms. Paulina Mabuga, who praised the student-led organising team for their coordination and discipline. “These competitions reflect our shared responsibility in nurturing vibrant student life”.
Dr. Lulu Mahai, Director of Social Services, also commended the high level of institutional collaboration, thanking all sponsors and celebrating the strong student turnout. “This year’s event demonstrated the values we uphold at UDSM: teamwork, excellence, and integrity”.
Bakhresa Group (Azam), the official sponsor, played a pivotal role by supplying sports kits, equipment, refreshments, and media support—greatly enhancing the event’s visibility and professional appeal.
Technical oversight and operational excellence
Technical support came from an advisory committee led by Mr. Vedastus Gunda, appointed by the DARUSO President, whose strategic oversight ensured smooth delivery and quality assurance. At the grassroots level, coordination was maintained by ExCom sports representatives and school-level sports coordinators.
Dr. Armstrong Matogwa, assistant coach and sports coordinator for CoSS, commended the athletes’ discipline and commitment. “This year’s competition was phenomenal. UDSM’s sports potential is immense. The University should continue investing in facilities, staffing, and talent admission”.
Looking forward: building a sporting legacy
Plans are already underway to expand UDSM’s sports programmes with enhanced infrastructure, additional coaching personnel, and structured talent scouting. These developments are expected to further embed sports into the university’s broader vision for student development.
Bakhresa Group representative Mr. Tunga Alli, Marketing and Sales Officer, echoed this sentiment, urging greater investment in university sports: “UDSM has vast untapped potential. Strategic investment in sports infrastructure can drive lasting economic and social impact.”
As the final whistle blew and trophies were raised, the 2025 Inter-college sports competition left an indelible mark, not just in athletic achievement but as a model for student-led organisation, institutional collaboration, and youth empowerment.