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For the 2024 Tanzania high school championships, Zanzibar was the women’s softball winner, and Temeke (Dar Es Salaam) earned the men’s baseball title. The events are known as the Koshien Project and represent Tanzania’s premier U-18 baseball and softball championships.
In December, the Tanzania Baseball and Softball Association (TaBSA) organized it in partnership with the Japan-Africa Baseball & Softball Foundation (J-ABS). The tournament provides a platform for young athletes nationwide to showcase their talent and develop their skills.
The 2024 edition marked the 12th Koshien for baseball and the eighth for softball. Over 200 athletes from eight regions participated in this national event, including Dar es Salaam, Pwani, Songea, Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Ruvuma, Zanzibar and Dodoma.
“The Koshien project is a crucial step in Tanzania’s efforts to expand the reach of baseball and softball,” said acting Secretary-General Abubakary R. Nachiwa. “It allows young players to compete at a high level while preparing for international competition.”
At the heart of Koshien’s success is Shinya Tomonari, the President of JABS, who has supported the project for 12 years and whose commitment has helped grow the championship. Tanzania is the most successful initiative, but J-ABS developed a Koshien-style event in Ghana and Kenya. Nigeria, South Sudan, Benin, Cameroon, and Zambia plan to launch their championships soon, thanks to the Africa 55 Koshien Project.
“As baseball and softball continue to gain momentum in Africa, Koshien remains a symbol of progress. It unites young athletes and fosters sports development through competition, discipline, and teamwork. TaBSA and JABS look forward to further expanding the project and strengthening the sport’s foundation in Tanzania and beyond,” said Nachiwa.
