Ibenge praises Azam’s new signings, positive team drive

DAR ES SALAAM: AZAM FC’s newly appointed Head Coach, Florent Ibenge, has expressed great optimism following the team’s first day of preseason preparations, lauding both the promising direction of the squad and the impact of fresh talent joining the club.

Training is currently underway at the state-of-the-art Azam Complex Stadium in Chamazi, Dar es Salaam.

Ibenge, who arrived from Sudan’s Al Hilal, stepped into the role after the departure of former Coach Rachid Toaussi, signaling a fresh start for the ambitious Dar es Salaam side.

Among the club’s latest acquisitions are defensive stalwart Lameck Lawi, a commanding central defender from Coastal Union of Tanga, along with dynamic midfielders, Himidi Mao and Muhsin Malima, both recruited from Egypt’s Zed FC.

Furthermore, the club, through their Communications Manager, Zakaria Thabiti, confirmed intentions to retain the talented midfielder Feisal Salum, who remains a ‘hot commodity’ also coveted by Simba SC.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Coach Ibenge shared his enthusiasm: “We kicked off our preparations recently and it’s been an excellent opportunity to gauge the team’s new direction and integrate the fresh faces who have joined us.

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“I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of our players currently with the Tanzania National Team. I believe they will be with us for the long haul, especially with the African Nations Championship (CHAN) on the horizon,” Ibenge remarked.

Looking ahead, Azam FC plans to intensify their preseason training with a camp in Arusha, before heading to Rwanda in August for further preparations.

The team is expected back in Tanzania by September 1st, ready to gear up for the highly competitive Tanzania Mainland Premier League season.

The ice-cream maker club who finished third in the previous league season the 2024/25 after accumulating 63 points from 30 outings will represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup alongside Singida Black Stars who finished fourth in the league with 57 points