Tanzania’s women’s national football team, Twiga Stars, has begun early preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 after Head Coach Bakari Shime named a 30-player preliminary squad.
According to a statement issued by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), the squad combines players from local clubs and those based abroad, a move aimed at strengthening competition and building a solid team ahead of the continental tournament scheduled to take place later this year.
Players drawn from domestic leagues form a significant part of the squad, with JKT Queens contributing the largest number.
Those called up from the club are Najiath Abbas, Lidya Maximilian, Donisia Minja, Christer Bahera, Elizabeth Change, Anastazia Katunzi, Winfrida Gerald, Stumai Abdallah, Jamila Rajabu, Joyce Lema and Ester Maseke.
Simba Queens are represented by Aisha Juma and Asha Omary, while Yanga Princess have Diana Manaly, Neema Shau and Maimuna Kaimu in the provisional team.
Other locally based players include Asha Mrisho of Mashujaa Queens, Nusrat Jafar from Fountain Gate Princess, Husnat Mtunda of Alliances Girls and Suzana Adam of Tausi.
The squad also features several players who play their football outside Tanzania, reflecting the team’s growing international footprint.
Among those selected are Julieth Singano and Enekia Kasonga of Juarez FC in Mexico, Noela Luhala from FK Žalgiris in Lithuania, Violeth Nicholas and Husnath Ubamba of FC Nasar in Egypt, Opah Clement from SD Eibar in Spain, Clara Luvanga of Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Aisha Masaka of Brighton & Hove Albion in England, and Diana Lucas of Trabzonspor in Türkiye.
TFF said the early camp is intended to allow the technical bench sufficient time to evaluate players, improve cohesion and raise match fitness ahead of WAFCON 2026.
Coach Shime noted that stiff competition is expected during camp as the team works toward assembling a strong final squad capable of flying Tanzania’s flag high at the continental level.
