Tanzania’s women’s national football team, Twiga Stars, will take on Botswana today in Gaborone, aiming to make a strong start to their Olympic qualifying campaign and boost the country’s hopes of progressing to the next stage.
The first-leg encounter is scheduled for 7:00 pm in Botswana, with Twiga Stars determined to secure a positive result before hosting the return fixture on October 13 in Dar es Salaam.
Head coach Bakari Shime has expressed confidence in his squad, saying the players are in good condition, highly motivated and ready for the challenge.
Shime said the team began preparations shortly after arriving in Botswana two days ago, with training sessions focusing on physical readiness and familiarisation with the competition venue.
“All the players are in good condition, and everyone is eager to ensure we get a positive result. Tanzanians are looking forward to celebrating with us, and we ask them to keep us in their prayers so that we can achieve our objectives,” Shime said.
He called on Tanzanians to rally behind the team through prayers and encouragement, saying their support would provide additional motivation as the players seek to deliver a strong performance on foreign soil.
The coach’s appeal highlights the importance of national support as Twiga Stars begin their bid to advance in the Olympic qualifiers.
A positive result in Gaborone would strengthen the team’s position ahead of the return leg, where home support in Dar es Salaam could prove valuable.
With two crucial encounters ahead, Twiga Stars will be looking to demonstrate determination, discipline and teamwork as they pursue their Olympic qualification ambitions and seek to make Tanzanians proud.