Diaspora drive strengthens Taifa Stars, says Karia

TANZANIA: TANZANIA is increasingly looking beyond its borders to strengthen Taifa Stars, with Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) President Wallace Karia saying the government’s support has made it easier for players of Tanzanian origin living overseas to feature for the national team.

In an exclusive interview with the ‘Daily News’, Karia said the government’s initiatives have made it easier for eligible diaspora players to represent Tanzania, strengthening Stars as the country pursues greater success in continental and international football.

Among the players who have been in the initiative are Haji Mnoga, Charles M’Mombwa and Tarryn Allarakhia, while the Federation continues identifying other eligible players with Tanzanian roots across Europe and beyond.

“The government has shown great commitment to the development of football by allowing players of Tanzanian origin living abroad to represent the country,” Karia said.

“This has widened our talent pool and increased competition for places in the national team.”

Karia said the initiative forms part of a broader collaboration between the government and TFF to ensure eligible diaspora players can fulfil administrative requirements needed to represent Tanzania in international competitions.

He also credited President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration with placing Sport among the country’s development priorities, saying football has benefited from increased institutional support.

“President Samia’s leadership has been outstanding,” he said.

“She has placed Sports among the government’s priorities, and every year we continue to witness remarkable progress in infrastructure, administration and performance of our national teams.”

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The TFF president revealed that the federation has also worked closely with the government to resolve citizenship issues involving players eligible to play for Tanzania.

“In our efforts to strengthen the national team, we have successfully facilitated citizenship applications for some players,” Karia said.

“One example is Kibu Denis, who previously did not hold any nationality. Today, he is a Tanzanian citizen and is eligible to represent the country.”

Recruiting players from the diaspora has become an increasingly important part of Tanzania’s long-term football strategy, mirroring a trend adopted by several African countries seeking to harness talent developed in overseas leagues.