Four nation tournament, right test for CHAN finals

DAR ES SALAAM: TAIFA Stars Coach Hemed Suleiman has expressed optimism that the upcoming four-nations tournament in Arusha will bridge the gaps before the African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals kick off.

The tournament, featuring Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Senegal, will take place in Karatu, Arusha, starting today and running for seven days.

Tanzania will have its first clash tomorrow against Senegal, followed by matches against Kenya on the 24th and Uganda on the 27th of this month.

Suleiman stated, “Our players are in great condition and have shown strong morale. The upcoming friendlies will help us fine-tune our tactics and build momentum before our first match.”

The coach underscored the importance of the CECAFA tournament, which he believes provides essential competitive match practice and helps coaches assess player performance.

He noted that it strengthens regional football ties and serves as crucial preparation ahead of major tournaments like CHAN.

“The CHAN competition is unique as it features players who play in their country’s domestic leagues. We have not performed particularly well in previous CHAN editions, but this time we are more optimistic due to the quality of players in camp. We believe we can go far,” he remarked.

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Additionally , Suleiman highlighted that the friendly matches will serve as a vital platform for the technical bench to assess player sharpness and make final adjustments to the lineup and game strategy.

National team striker Clement Mzize shared his positive reflections on the recently concluded training camp in Egypt, describing it as productive and crucial for team cohesion and competitiveness.

“We are returning home more focused and better prepared. The coaches have given us clear instructions and we are committed to applying everything we’ve learned,” said Mzize.

He urged Tanzanians to turn out in large numbers to support the team as they represent the nation on home soil.

Mzize emphasised the vital role that fans play in motivating the team, stating, “Their support will mean everything as we prepare to represent our country. This tournament is a golden opportunity for Tanzania to shine at home and the team is fully committed to giving their best in every match to make the country proud.”