Singida BS gets ready for next CAF Confederation Cup clash

SINGIDA: RIDING high on the back of a remarkable domestic season, Singida Black Stars have turned up the intensity in training as they gear up for a crucial CAF Confederation Cup away showdown against Burundi’s Flambeau du Centre.

With confidence surging and momentum firmly on their side, the Tanzanian outfit are preparing to carry their stellar local form onto the continental stage.

As the clash approaches, preparations are in full swing at the Airtel Stadium at Mtipa ward, Singida, where intensity, focus and ambition are fuelling every training session under the tutelage of their Argentine tactician, Miguel Gamondi. The 2024/25 season has been a breakthrough one for Singida Black Stars.

Under the guidance of their technical team, the club secured a topfour finish in the NBC Premier League as well as reached the CRDB Bank Federation Cup semi-finals.

Delivering consistent performances against some of the biggest names in Tanzanian football, this success has not only earned them a place in the CAF Confederation Cup, but also respect across the region as one of the fastest-rising clubs in East Africa.

Speaking from Singida yesterday, the Singida Black Stars’ Communications Officer, Hussein Massanza, confirmed that the team is undergoing highenergy training sessions aimed at boosting both fitness and tactical sharpness.

“The squad is responding very well. The energy is great and everyone understands what’s at stake,” said Massanza.

The technical bench has implemented intensive drills, simulating high-pressure match conditions to ensure the players are mentally and physically ready for the trip to Burundi.

There was a brief scare in the camp earlier this week when midfield Emmanuel Keyekeh and Rashid Issa picked up minor knocks during training. However, Massanza was quick to calm fears.

“The injuries were minor and they’ve already started light workouts. Our medical team is monitoring them close ly and we are confident they’ll be ready for selection,” he said.

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Both players have been key to Singida Black Stars’ midfield engine this season and their availability will be crucial in the high-intensity CAF clash.

According to Massanza, in order to sharpen their strategy and assess squad readiness, Singida Black Stars will play a crucial friendly match tomorrow in Singida. The warm-up fixture is seen as a final test before the squad is finalised.

“The friendly will help us fine-tune combinations and make final evaluations. Every player knows they are fighting for a spot in the travelling squad,” added Massanza.

The team is scheduled to depart for Burundi between October 15 and 17, with a brief stop in Dar es Salaam before heading out to meet Flambeau du Centre on foreign soil.

The away leg promises to be challenging, but the team is united and optimistic.

“We are ready to represent Tanzania with pride. The players know they carry the hopes of not just Singida, but the entire nation,” Massanza emphasised.

Singida Black Stars won 2 – 1 Rayon Sports (Rwanda) and advanced on 3 – 1 aggregate to the next to meet Burundian side Flambeau du Centre whereby the first leg is scheduled for October 20–22 in Bujumbura, Burundi.