Tanzania’s Under-20 women’s national team, the Tanzanite Queens, have stepped up preparations for the World Cup with the players expressing confidence in their ability to compete strongly and achieve their targets.
The players said their preparations had progressed well since entering camp, with the team focused on building fitness, sharpening its tactical approach and understanding the demands of the tournament.
They said they had been closely following instructions from the technical bench and were determined to translate their preparations into strong performances when the competition begins.
The team captain said the squad was enjoying high morale and remained focused on representing Tanzania with pride on the global stage.
“We have prepared well and the morale in the team is very high. We understand what is expected of us and we are ready to fight for our country,” she said.
She added that playing at Under-20 level was an important stage in the development of young players, particularly those aspiring to earn places in the senior national team.
According to her, every player must use the opportunity to gain experience, improve her game and compete at the highest possible level.
“We know this is an important stage in our careers. It can open the way to the senior national team, so each of us has to give everything to achieve our goals,” she said.
Tanzanite Queens midfielder Diana Mnally said she was confident in her own preparations and understood the level of competition awaiting the team.
Diana said she was committed to implementing the coaches’ instructions while continuing to work on the areas that could help her contribute more effectively to the team.
“My preparations have gone well and I know the challenge ahead of us. I will continue working hard and following everything the coaches tell me so that I can perform at my best,” she said.
Diana said her personal ambition was to help the Tanzanite Queens go beyond the quarter-final stage, drawing inspiration from the team’s previous experience at Under-17 level.
“Our target is to go beyond the quarter-finals. We reached that stage at the Under-17 level, so this time we want to go further,” she said.
She added that the training sessions had continued to improve the players’ fitness, discipline and tactical understanding, giving the squad greater confidence ahead of the tournament.
The young striker also called on Tanzanians to rally behind the team, saying support from home would give the players additional motivation as they seek to make history at the World Cup.
“We ask Tanzanians to believe in us and continue giving us their support. We will fight hard to represent our country well and make them proud,” Diana said.
For the Tanzanite Queens, the World Cup represents more than just another tournament. It is an opportunity for a new generation of Tanzanian players to gain valuable international experience, test themselves against the world’s best and lay a foundation for the future of the national women’s team.