Tanzania’s senior women’s national football team, Twiga Stars, will enter a three-week residential training camp in Karatu, Arusha Region, on June 22 as preparations gather pace for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) set to be held in Morocco from July 25.
The camp marks the beginning of the team’s final phase of preparations for Africa’s premier women’s football tournament, with the technical bench expected to assess players’ fitness levels, sharpen tactical approaches and build team cohesion ahead of the continental showpiece.
Speaking during the announcement of the provisional squad on June 18, Twiga Stars head coach Bakari Shime said the team would use the camp to prepare thoroughly for the tournament while also exploring opportunities to play international friendly matches.
“The players called to camp have a great responsibility to represent the nation. We expect them to work hard, remain disciplined and compete for places in the final squad,” said Shime.
He noted that a final selection exercise will be conducted before the team departs for Morocco, with only the most outstanding performers earning places in the squad that will carry Tanzania’s hopes at the tournament.
Shime said the team’s ambition extends beyond participation, emphasizing that Twiga Stars are targeting a strong performance that could enhance Tanzania’s reputation in women’s football and strengthen the country’s chances of qualifying for major global competitions, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The coach explained that Karatu was chosen as the training venue because its weather conditions are relatively similar to those expected in Morocco during the tournament period.
He added that the area offers a calm environment and quality training facilities that will allow players to focus fully on preparations.
The provisional squad combines experienced internationals and emerging local talent, reflecting the technical bench’s desire to build a competitive team capable of challenging some of Africa’s strongest sides.
Among the locally based players selected are Naijati Abbas, Donisia Minja, Anastazia Katunzi, Ester Maseke, Stumai Abdallah, Asha Mlangwa, Elizabeth Chenge, Aliya Fikiri and Elizabeth Joseph from JKT Queens.
Simba Queens have contributed Janeth Shija, Asha Omary, Aisha Mnunka and Fatuma Issa, while Yanga Princess are represented by Ester Mabanza and Diana Mnally.
Also included are Nusra Jafar, Mary Siyame and Winifrida Charles from Fountain Gate Princess, Bahati Steven of Bunda Queens, Veronika Mapunda of Mashujaa Queens and Edna Makamba of Tausi Queens.
The squad also features a number of Tanzanian players currently plying their trade abroad, underlining the growing presence of the country’s female footballers in international leagues.
Those called up include Julietha Singano of Juárez FC in Mexico, Opa Clement of Eibar in Spain, Hasnath Ubamba of Al Masry in Egypt, Clara Luvanga of Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Noela Luhala of Mfazal Girls in Turkey, Violeth Nicholaus of Palm Hills SC in Turkey, Diana Lucas of Trabzonspor in Turkey and Enekia Kasonga of Gullos Femenil in Mexico.
With just over a month remaining before the tournament kicks off, the Karatu camp will provide Twiga Stars with a crucial opportunity to fine-tune preparations and build momentum as Tanzania seeks to make a significant impact on the continental stage.
