Legends: Grit, plan fuel Stars

DAR ES SALAAM: FOOTBALL legends have attributed Taifa Stars’ historic progress to the AFCON last 16 to sound technical planning, unwavering player commitment and a shared hunger to write a new chapter in Tanzanian football.

Speaking in exclusive interviews at different occasions after Taifa Stars’ group-stage encounter against Tunisia, the former players and coaches said teamwork and total dedication were the decisive factors behind the team’s breakthrough.

Former Taifa Stars player, Musa Hassan Mgosi, said the players’ desire to make history and their willingness to give everything for the national cause played a central role in securing a place in the last 16.

“Congratulations to the players and the technical bench. For two seasons we fell short, but this time we truly committed ourselves. The players asked themselves why we should not break through, they fought hard and we succeeded,” said Mgosi.

He added that what impressed him most during the group stage was the tactical organisation of the technical bench and the level of sacrifice shown by every player on the pitch.

Mgosi also praised the calmness on the bench and the well-timed substitutions, which he said reflected sharp reading of the game.

“The technical plans and the way the coach made substitutions based on the needs of the match were excellent. Much credit goes to the players because they gave everything. Each individual effort was visible and I believe they fully followed coach (Miguel) Gamondi’s instructions,” he said.

Former Taifa Stars player and coach, Amri Kiemba, echoed those sentiments, saying the tactical approach clearly matched the demands of each match and the quality of the opposition.

He noted that debates on social media about who should start are inevitable, but often miss the key point: Tactical needs.

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“You cannot avoid debates about who should play because people judge who is better than who. But tactics decide. How you want to play determines who starts, and that is where the difference comes,” Kiemba explained.

Coach Habibu Kondo joined the discussion by highlighting the disciplined approach used by the technical bench during the group stage.

He said coach Gamondi prioritised defensive solidity, relying on counter-attacks and quick transitions to avoid dropping points.

“Coach Gamondi is very cautious defensively. When his team does not have the ball, they defend first, then attack through counters and transitions. It worked well because the main aim was not to concede and to secure points,” said Kondo.

He added that success is always sweeter when expectations are modest, noting that modern football has become more scientific.

“Success is a great joy. We did not have high expectations. Football today is science; any team that follows its principles can succeed. Investment by CAF and Tanzania in coaches and players has helped,” he said.

Kiemba observed that many African teams have improved tactically, reducing the traditional dominance of North African sides. “Teams are tactically stronger now, so the gap is smaller.

Every point matters more than ever,” he said.

On the knockout clash against Morocco on Sunday, Kiemba and Kondo said Taifa Stars will feel little pressure despite facing a heavyweight opponent, as many players are experienced at both club and international level.

“We will go in as underdogs, but if we play as a team and stay focused, we can limit what Morocco do well,” Kiemba said, while acknowledging the intense pressure of playing away with a largely home crowd.

Kondo said that Morocco may carry more pressure, with more to protect, while Taifa Stars have little to lose.

“If Morocco lose, it is a big story. If we win, it is history,” he said.