Give your all – Stars legend

DAR ES SALAAM: FORMER Taifa Stars striker and football legend, Sunday Manara, has called on the National Team – Taifa Stars, to wear the Tanzanian colours with pride and purpose as they head into the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals.

Ahead of the highly anticipated tournament kickoff, Manara addressed the players during their training session at Gymkhana Grounds in Dar es Salaam.

This was in preparation for their inaugural match against Burkina Faso, set to take place tomorrow at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

“This is more than just football; it’s about representing your people, your flag, your identity,” Manara passionately stated. He stressed: “When you step onto that pitch wearing the national colours, wear them with pride. Play with heart, passion and the determination to make Tanzania proud.” He added that during his time, he had the honour to wear Taifa Stars jersey at the age of 16.

“I wore it with pride from the age of 16 until 1982. Please keep note, players have come and gone, but it is dedication and patriotism that leave a lasting legacy,” he said.

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His visit was part of a larger morale-boosting initiative by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to motivate the team ahead of their highly anticipated opener against Burkina Faso.

“This is our time, and we are playing on home soil. Let’s make every Tanzanian proud. Rest assured, the technical team, football stakeholders and the entire nation are firmly behind you,” he told the squad members.

Taifa Stars fullback Shomari Kapombe reinforced Manara’s message, emphasising their duty to fight for the nation’s honour.

“We have a responsibility, and that responsibility is to give our all for our country. We have trained and competed in the preCHAN tournament and we have learned a lot and built strong foundation during our time in camp in Egypt, Arusha and Dar es Salaam. We are aware that Tanzanians will be supporting us and we want to make them proud,” he said with great optimism.

With anticipation growing and excitement at an all-time high, the TFF Communication Officer, Clifford Ndimbo, urged fans to unite behind Taifa Stars as they prepare to kick off the CHAN 2024.

As the big match approaches, there have been increasing calls for Tanzanians to show their support by filling the stands in full voice and vibrant colours.