TRANSPORT and sports share deep connections beyond either mere coincidence or spelling similarities.

Transport also plays a crucial role in community development by bringing people together for local sports events, fostering social cohesion, and having a sense of belonging.

Once a regional pursuit, football’s transformation into today’s lucrative industry owes much to transport infrastructure - roads, airlines, and the railway networks - with the country having lately delved into investing in Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

These developments have created an opportunity for Tanzania to effectively host various tournaments, ranging from local to international.

The country can lately host CAF and FIFA tournaments, thanks to the presence of standard sports facilities and modern infrastructure. 

The relationship between transport and sports is multi-faceted, influencing accessibility, economic dynamics, environmental sustainability, social cohesion, health, and operational logistics.

The obvious starting point is the actual and perceived lack of access to sports, whether it has to do with participating or spectating.

An efficient transport network enables athletes, fans, and support staff to access sports facilities and events.

Public transport, roads, and parking facilities are essential for accessing regular training sessions, matches, and competitions.

Soccer fans and the remainder of sports stakeholders now can hardly think of spending eight hours to travel from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma to watch a league game and plan another budget for accommodation in either lodges or hotels, given Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) came with a solution. 

Since the SGR line began its operations, with the train hauling passengers from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro and later Dodoma, it has significantly cut time spent on the road from eight to three hours of travelling with the express electric multiple-unit train.

Reduction in transport expenses for those who were booking airlines is also an aspect brought about by investing in the SGR.

The SGR is an economic and time-saving solution.

Simple improvements to the transport network and infrastructure can increase participation in sports, making it easier for people from various regions, including rural and perceived underserved areas, to access sports facilities and events. 

Partnership is key to increasing inclusivity as demonstrated, this initiative enables residents facing travel challenges to participate in sporting activities that will take place between Lake Zone and Coast Zone regions. 

This service, a collaboration between TRC and sports and entertainment stakeholders, facilitates the transportation of participants from their homes to the leisure centres.

An economist, Sophia Mhando, simply highlighted the transformative impact of this service in addressing inequalities by removing travel barriers.

She said previously, many potential participants in sports were unable to attend various events due to financial constraints, mobility issues, or the inability to travel independently. 

Sophia disclosed: "This first-ever electric train has alleviated these obstacles. It has not only reduced social isolation and promoted physical activities but also boosted the development of sporting opportunities."

"In recent years, the rise of budget airlines has also facilitated the development of many economic as well as social issues, including reducing time - a potential factor in production," she stressed. 

Sophia stated: "Fans can now travel into the hinterland, and once the other TRC railway line reaches Mwanza and Kigoma, the fanatics will smoothly and cheaply travel to watch their teams play and return to their homes. The match between Dodoma Jiji FC and Simba SC was a good example."

Transport has undoubtedly fuelled the development of sports in Tanzania and travelling sports fans have significantly contributed to the profits that TRC and airlines enjoy.