The Tanzania Amputee Football Federation (TAFF) has appointed former national team goalkeeper Ivo Mapunda as the new Head Coach of the national amputee football team, Tembo Warriors.
The appointment, announced by TAFF’s Technical Director Shaban Msangi, is for an initial one-year term, during which the federation will assess Mapunda’s performance and the team’s progress under his leadership.
“This decision comes as the team intensifies preparations for the upcoming East and Central Africa Amputee Football Championship (CECAAF), scheduled to take place this September in Bujumbura, Burundi,” said Msangi.
According to Msangi, TAFF officials will meet with Mapunda on Monday to agree on the date for naming the national team squad that will compete in the regional tournament.
Mapunda, who previously played for top Tanzanian clubs Simba SC and Young Africans SC (Yanga), as well as the national football team Taifa Stars, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
He is already familiar with the Tembo Warriors setup, having served as the team’s goalkeeping coach during the 2022 Amputee Football World Cup held in Turkey.
His return to the technical bench this time as head coach is expected to add value to the team’s tactical strength and morale as they set their sights on regional glory.