DAR ES SALAAM, June 4 -- AS the countdown begins to Tanzanias much-anticipated hosting of the CHAN and AFCON tournaments, the spotlight isnt just on the national squad or tactical line-ups, its also on the turf beneath their boots and the terraces filled with fans.

Legendary players-turned-pundits are raising their voices not in criticism of the current team, but in passionate advocacy for the future of Tanzanian football.

Their message is that the true path to continental glory begins not in the stadiums of Dar es Salaam or Arusha, but on the grassroots pitches scattered across villages and towns.

Veteran football icon, George Masatu, a former Taifa Stars and Simba SC stalwart, praised the governments recent push to build and upgrade ...