Analysts put U-23 team under magnifier

COUNTRY’s football experts have come up with mixed feelings on the performance of the National Under 23 team; Manyara Boys after recently losing to Nigeria in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Under the tutelage of Hemedi Suleiman Morocco, Manyara Boys were knocked out of the campaign after a 2-0 loss to Nigeria. The loss came aftter a 1-1 draw in their first leg game in Dar es Salaam a week ago.

Speaking with Sunday News Morocco said his charges showed a classy performance against Nigeria in Lagos and the results should not be used to underrate their form.

The coach said all players did a commendable job on pitch, they created two golden chances which if utilised would have changed the whole set up.

“I know how Nigerian fans behave as I have been there before with national team but they were quiet this time because we were superior to them on pitch. They didn’t believe what they saw on the day.

“And if you had chance to watch that game you would see we missed two golden chances,” he said.

Morocco suggested the U23 Boys need to be regrouped and sharpened for the regional level tournaments before engaging them in Africa Cup of Nations Championship.

In retrospect, football legend and coach Abdallah Kibadeni said the U23 players must not be left after the end of the race, rather they should be further sharpened by giving them international games and exposure that will make them quality players.

“I am a coach with vast experience and in the past I have dealt with youth teams, therefore we need to find better means of developing the players further,”said Kibadeni who also coached Simba and Taifa Stars.

The former Young Africans and Simba midfielder Amri Kiemba praised Manyara Boys despite being eliminated saying they did what they could as their capacity reached the limit level.

“To have strong youth teams the players need to be scouted and developed from grassroots levels and get enough international matches that will make them strong. But ours had a short camp at the time when the tournament was too close.

“They play a very few matches knowing they will be facing well-established teams like Nigeria who have vast experience,” he said.

Kiemba, the versatile midfielder during his heydays, said if we are to be among the best in Africa there is no way we can do short of heavy investment.