DAR ES SALAAM: IT is time for the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) and the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to take firm action to improve the organisation of the league.

With the first half of the season nearing completion, the authorities must address the issues that continue to affect the competition and ensure that the second half of the campaign is managed with greater consistency and rigid discipline.

A poorly managed domestic league hemorrhages talent and capital. For Tanzania to maintain its newly acquired status as a footballing powerhouse in East Africa, surpassing the Kenyan Premier League, administrative competence must match the passion of the fans.

The Administrative Bottleneck

The league continues to produce exciting matches and attracts strong support from millions of fans across the country. However, several systemic problems that were visible last season have continued to surface during the current campaign.

These issues, whether related to administration, match venues, refereeing or general compliance with regulations, require immediate attention from the bodies responsible for managing the top-flight competition.

Good football begins with proper organisation. Before focusing on performances on the pitch, there must be clear administration, financial transparency, and consistent decision-making from the boardroom to the dressing room.

Rule of Law in Football

When organisation is weak, it negatively impacts clubs, demoralizes players, confuses referees and alienates paying supporters. Strengthening the administrative structure of the league should therefore remain a top priority.

• Referees need better protection and compensation.
• Club administrators must undergo mandatory regulatory training.
• Stadium infrastructure must meet continental CAF standards.

One important area is the understanding of rules and regulations. Board officials and club administrators must be properly trained so that they fully understand the guidelines governing the competition. These rules should not remain in documents that are rarely consulted.

A Call for Professionalism

They must be known, respected and applied in daily operations without prejudice or favoritism. When officials clearly understand the regulations, many disputes, match-fixing allegations, and misunderstandings will be avoided entirely.

The issue of match venues also needs careful attention. The recent reopening of Mkwakwani Stadium is a step in the right direction, but pitch conditions across the country must be elevated to prevent career-ending injuries to top athletes.

"We cannot demand world-class football from our players if we provide them with amateur-level administration. The TFF must wake up and lead," noted a prominent local sports pundit, summing up the frustration of the football fraternity.