The Tanzania Veterans Football Association (UMSOTA) is set to compete for glory at the upcoming World Elders Day football tournament in Nairobi, Kenya, running from September 29 to October 1.
The team has expressed strong determination to return home with the trophy.
Speaking to The Respondent Online, UMSOTA Deputy Secretary-General Athanas Madidi said the team’s preparations are in full swing to ensure top performance.
“As we approach the tournament, we are in the final stages of preparation. Tomorrow, we will play a friendly match against Gymkhana Veterans Club, which the coach will use to assess the squad, identify areas for improvement, and fine-tune our strategy before departure,” Madidi said.
He acknowledged that competition will be intense, with strong teams expected from across the region, but emphasized that UMSOTA is focused on executing the coach’s plan and achieving their championship dream.
The tournament will feature veteran teams from East Africa, including Uganda, Burundi, South Sudan, host nation Kenya, and Tanzania.
Madidi confirmed that an 18-member delegation, drawn from veteran players in Dar es Salaam and Morogoro, will depart for Kenya on Saturday.
The squad includes Paul Lusozi, Idd Pazi, Idd Mohamed, Thomas Adrian, Mohamed Husein, Rashid Hilal, Boniface Oscar, Sunday Juma, Makumbi Juma, Edgar Samson, Athanas Maiko, Bure Mtaigwa, Frank Kasaga, George Masau, and Kaingilila Mausi.