Coach: Taifa Stars ready for kick off match

DAR ES SALAAM: TAIFA Stars Head Coach Hemed Suleiman has declared his squad ready for battle in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 opener after intensive training camps in Egypt and Karatu District of Manyara region.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the coach expressed full confidence in the readiness of his team in every department.

“We are in good shape physically and mentally and the players are in excellent condition,” Suleiman said.

“Our first training session in Ismailia, Egypt, lasted ten days. It was tough, but it made a big impact. We then moved to Karatu for a week, played a friendly match and now we are fully ready for the match.”

Known for his calm delivery, Suleiman also took the opportunity to commend the government for its role in ensuring the team’s smooth preparations by providing the necessary facilities and logistical support.

“First, we must thank the Government under President Samia Suluhu for helping us secure these camps. They have worked well with TFF (Tanzania Football Federation) to make excellent preparations. Tanzanians have continued to support us, and we ask them to keep supporting us,” he said.

Suleiman alias Morocco, explained that the camps in Egypt and Karatu offered the players and technical bench the ideal environment to focus on preparations, which he believes has been crucial in building momentum ahead of CHAN 2024.

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The Taifa Stars tactician highlighted the value of fan support, saying it plays a vital role in boosting the morale of both the players and coaching staff.

“Tanzanians are behind us. I have seen their passion—it motivates us. In the last tournament, the pre-CHAN, they gave us encouragement and that was one reason we performed well. We ask them to continue to motivate us,” he noted.

Suleiman said the energy from the stands is often the extra push the team needs and he believes that the passion shown in previous competitions will again be a key factor.

With the opening match against Burkina Faso set for Saturday at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the coach called on fans to turn up in large numbers to cheer on the national team.

“I want to tell fans to keep supporting us. This time, we will fight and battle as much as possible to perform well,” Suleiman promised.