Tanzania’s national football team, Taifa Stars, is set to leave for Morocco today for a two-match international friendly tour as Head Coach Miguel Gamondi continues to shape his squad ahead of crucial continental assignments.
The FIFA-sanctioned friendlies will see Taifa Stars face Uganda on June 5 before taking on Rwanda on June 9 in Marrakech, providing the coaching staff with an opportunity to assess players and strengthen the team ahead of future competitions.
The squad entered camp on Saturday and held its first training session before departure, marking the start of preparations for the highly anticipated encounters.
Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Information and Communications Officer Clifford Ndimbo said the friendlies form part of the federation’s broader strategy to build a competitive national team capable of competing at the highest level.
He noted that Gamondi has assembled a squad that blends experienced internationals with promising young players as he seeks to broaden the talent pool and improve competition for places in the national team.
“The coach wants to give opportunities to different players and evaluate their capabilities at the international level. His goal is to strengthen Taifa Stars and ensure the team remains competitive in upcoming assignments,” Ndimbo said.
According to Ndimbo, the technical bench views the Morocco camp as a valuable platform for testing new combinations while maintaining the team’s momentum ahead of future qualification campaigns and major tournaments.
The coach has also praised the performances of Serengeti Boys stars Luqman Mbalasalu and Kassim Juma, who are expected to join the senior team after completing their duties with Tanzania’s Under-17 side.
The pair are currently preparing for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal, scheduled for June 2, where Tanzania will be seeking continental glory.
The Taifa Stars squad includes goalkeepers Zuberi Foba and Aishi Manula, alongside experienced midfielder Feisal Salum and winger Saimon Msuva.
Other players named in the squad are Elias Lawi, Pascal Msindo, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Mudathir Yahya, Ibrahim Hamad, Nickson Kibabage, Suleiman Mwalimu, Vedastus Masinde, Abdulkarim Kiswanya, Yona Amos, Mohamed Mussa, Bakari Msimu, Charles Mmomba, Novatus Dismas, Mohamed Sagaf, Haji Mnoga, Alphonce Mabula, Cyprian Kachelwe, Tarryn Allarakhia and Saidi Khamis.
The two friendlies are expected to provide a crucial test for Taifa Stars as Gamondi continues preparations for upcoming international competitions, including Tanzania’s Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign, where the team is aiming to secure a place among the continent’s elite.
