The Tanzania Women’s Under-20 National Team, Tanzanite, has entered camp today to begin intensive preparations for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Kenya, scheduled to be played next month in Nairobi.
Tanzania is set to face hosts Kenya on February 7 in a high-stakes first-leg qualifier, a match that will determine the team’s progress in the race for a place at this year’s global tournament.
Speaking to The Respondent, Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Information and Communication Officer Clifford Mario Ndimbo said all players summoned to the national team are required to report to camp today to allow the technical bench to officially kick off preparations.
“All players are expected to report to camp today so that the team can begin structured training and implement the full preparation programme ahead of the match,” said Ndimbo.
He added that the coaching staff will focus on physical conditioning, tactical awareness and team cohesion once the squad is fully assembled.
Meanwhile, Tanzanite head coach Bakari Shime has named a 22-player squad for the crucial encounter, drawing players from leading women’s clubs across the country and abroad.
The squad includes JKT Queens players Zulfa Makau, Mwanaid Maulid, Sarah Joel, Neema Damas, Winfrida Castro, Naomi Charles, Alliyana Fikiri and Yasinta Mitoga.
Also selected are Veronica Mapunda and Bokhe Migere of Mashujaa Queens; Diana Manaly, Yasinta Michael and Harrier Juma from Yanga Princess; Zawadi Hamis and Neema Mtunzi of Simba Queens; and Mary Siyame alongside Winfrida Charles of Fountain Gate Princess.
Other call-ups feature Nusrat Jaffar of Alliance Girls, Fatuma Hamis from Tausi FC, Bahati Steven of Bunda Queens and Husnat Ubamba, who currently plies her trade with Egypt’s Al-Masri.
Tanzanite will be seeking a strong away result against Kenya as it looks to keep its FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualification hopes firmly on track.