SINGIDA: Singida Black Stars have named a 26-man squad that flew out today to Kigali, Rwanda, ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup first-round fixture against Rayon Sports on September 20.
The Tanzanian side, who recently lifted the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Dar es Salaam, are keen to carry their winning momentum onto the continental stage.
Head coach Miguel Gamondi has led preparations with a full-strength squad drawn from a blend of domestic and international talent.
Club Information and Communication Officer, Hussein Massanza, confirmed the travelling party, which features experienced shot-stoppers Metacha Mnata, Hussein Masaranga, and Nigerian Amas Obasogie.
The defensive line includes Kennedy Juma, Mukrim Issa, Ande Koffi, Kelvin Kijili, Nickson Kibabage, and Gadiel Michael.
Midfield duties will be anchored by Morice Chukwu, Khalid Hatib, Aboubakari Muhajiri (U20), Khalid Aucho, Idriss Diomande, Marouf Tchakei, Kwame Keyekeh, Clatous Chama, Deus Kaseke, and Rashid Said.
Leading the attack are Andrew Phiri, Lamin Jarjou, Daudi Mashano, Elvis Rupia, Horso Muaku, Antony Trabi, and Mohamed Damaro.
Massanza stressed that the Kagame Cup provided an ideal build-up platform for the Rwandan assignment.
“We used the CECAFA Kagame Cup as a pre-season but also as a learning opportunity,” he said.
“Our main target is to reach the group stage of the Confederation Cup, and we are confident because our squad has the right balance of experience and international exposure.”he added
Rayon Sports, one of Rwanda’s most decorated clubs, will be looking to capitalize on home advantage. However, Singida Black Stars are equally determined to make a statement in their Confederation Cup debut, with the return leg to be staged in Tanzania later this month.
A positive result away from home would put Singida in a commanding position as they chase history and aim to boost Tanzania’s footprint in continental football.