DAR ES SALAAM: FOOTBALL veterans have responded favourably to Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) President, Wallace Karia’s remarks that local coaches will now be in charge of the national team -Taifa Stars.
Karia made the announcement in Dar es Salaam, emphasising that the current Taifa Stars Caretaker Coach Hemed Suleiman and his assistant Juma Mgunda are performing well.
“The issue of recruiting domestic coaches depends with the clubs, but as for TFF, we have shown the way that TFF have no plans to hire a foreign coach at the helm of Taifa Stars.”
He inquired: “Why should we choose to hire another coach when Suleiman and Mgunda are leading the squad in a great manner?” The ‘Daily News on Saturday’ sought the opinions of former footballers in response to the statement issued by the TFF boss.
In reaction, former Young Africans striker, Mohamed Hussein ‘Mmachinga’ enthusiastically welcomed the development, saying it is a significant recognition for Tanzanian coaches.
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“I fully support this idea, because it shows great respect for Tanzanians and a belief that they can succeed even without foreign coaches I wholeheartedly support Karia for this decision “I have no doubt in Tanzanian coaches, because they possess the skills necessary to help our national team achieve its goals. Trust me, they will work hard to demonstrate their potential,” he said.
Former Mtibwa Sugar player, Charles Ndilime, also supported Karia’s remarks, stating that local coaches should receive the same privileges as foreign ones.
“I believe that the most important factor in coaching is the ability of the players. If you have good players, then the coach’s job becomes easier. “Even when foreign coaches come, they are supported by the quality of players they find in the country. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with what Karia emphasised,” he said.
He also suggested that efforts should be made to further train local coaches so that they can be more competitive in carrying out their duties as team leaders.
