Masaka, Luvanga headline Twiga Stars Olympic squad

AISHA Masaka and Clara Luvanga headline the 23-player Twiga Stars squad named by head coach Bakari Shime for Tanzania’s Olympic qualifying campaign, with Masaka returning after an injury layoff.

Masaka, who plays for Brighton in England, missed recent assignments through injury, while Luvanga returns to bolster the attack following her move to Washington Spirit in the United States.

The two forwards are part of a squad that blends local experience with Tanzanian players based abroad as the Twiga Stars prepare to face Botswana in a two-legged firstround qualifier, starting on Thursday. JKT Queens provide the largest contingent with seven players, while Simba Queens have six.

Fountain Gate and Yanga Princess complete the domestic representation. The overseasbased players include Julitha Singano of Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Enekia Lunyamila of Gallos Femenil in Mexico, Noela Luhala of MFA Zalgiris in Lithuania, Diana Msewa of Trabzonspor in Turkey, Hasnath Ubamba of Madrid CFF in Spain and Opah Clement of AlUla Club in Saudi Arabia.

Tanzania are among 35 national teams competing across five knockout rounds for two Olympic places, making Thursday’s encounter with Botswana the first step in a demanding qualification journey.

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The second round is scheduled for October 5–13, 2026, followed by the third round from February 23 to March 6, 2027.

The fourth round will take place from October 4–12, 2027, before the final round runs from November 23 to December 4, 2027.

The two teams that emerge from the final round will qualify for the Olympic Games.

For Shime, the immediate focus is Botswana, with the return of Masaka and the presence of Luvanga giving the Twiga Stars additional attacking options as they begin their campaign.

Twiga Stars squad: Najiath Abbas, Nusra Hamis, Janeth Shija, Anastazia Katunzi, Julitha Singano, Ester Maseke, Vaileth Nicholaus, Enekia Lunyamila, Diana Mnally, Noela Luhala, Fatuma Issa, Winfrida Castor, Elizabeth Chenge, Diana Msewa, Hasnath Ubamba, Elizabeth Joseph, Mary Siyame, Clara Luvanga, Aisha Masaka, Bahati Steven, Aisha Mnunka, Opah Clement and Asha Rashid.