US envoys inspire Tanzania youth through football training

DAR ES SALAAM: TWO US Sports envoys, Zola Solamente and Coach Kofi Sarkodie, have hailed their training sessions with Tanzanian students as a rare opportunity to share football knowledge and life skills that inspire confidence, leadership and teamwork.

The envoys are in Tanzania for a five-day tour, conducting clinics and training sessions with youngsters from various schools.

Over the weekend, Solamente coached the U-17s, while Sarkodie worked with U-13 boys and girls.

Solamente, a former international player who is now a coach, business owner and mother, said football had shaped her character and career.

“When I was younger, I played for the international team. Since then, I’ve become a mother and a business owner while continuing to coach globally. I’m here to help Tanzanian youth develop not only their football skills but also leadership qualities, which sport naturally instils,” she explained.

She noted that football can transform shy children into confident leaders.

“When I stepped on the pitch, I learned how to communicate and lead. These lessons are as important as technical skills and I want to pass them on,” she said.

Despite the language barrier, Solamente said the Tanzanian youngsters quickly understood her demonstrations and embraced her coaching.

“We’ve only trained for a day, but I already see progress. They are eager to learn and trust my guidance, which is incredibly rewarding.”

Coach Sarkodie, once a US youth national team player, focused on teaching ball control in tight spaces.

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“The best players don’t need much room because they control the ball so well. That’s what I wanted to stress today,” he said.

He added that mistakes are part of the learning process. “It’s okay to make errors when you’re young. What matters is learning from them quickly and building confidence.”

The sessions, he said, were filled with passion and joy. “I’m delighted to see the kids smiling, competing and learning. Their energy motivates me too.”

US Embassy Cultural Officer, Charles Blake, said the programme aims to encourage youngsters to succeed both on and off the pitch.

“Sport builds strength, discipline and leadership. This exchange also helps connect communities and create future opportunities,” he said.

Although no follow-up sessions are scheduled, Blake confirmed the Embassy will continue supporting exchange programmes that expose Tanzanian youth to professional coaching and international experiences.