Tanzania’s national amputee football team, the Tembo Warriors, will begin their East and Central Africa Amputee Football Championship (CECAAF) campaign with a clash against hosts Kenya on September 9 in Nairobi.
The regional tournament, which brings together top amputee football teams, will run from September 8 to 14.
Tanzania is placed in Group B alongside Kenya and Uganda, while Group A consists of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia.
Tanzania Amputee Football Federation (TAFF) Technical Director, Shaban Msangi, expressed confidence in the team’s preparations, stressing that the players are motivated and ready to compete at the highest level.
“We respect all our opponents, but we are determined to put up a strong fight. Our players are committed to representing the country with pride and securing positive results that will allow us to progress to the continental stage,” he said.
According to Msangi, the Tembo Warriors are undergoing intensive training sessions designed to sharpen their skills and boost their fitness ahead of the championship.
He also called on Tanzanians to rally behind the team, both morally and financially, to ensure their full participation in the tournament.
“We urge the public and well-wishers to support us in every possible way so that we can compete effectively and make the nation proud,” he added.
The CECAAF tournament provides a crucial platform for amputee football teams in the region, offering exposure and opportunities to qualify for larger continental competitions.