Samia sends Dreamliner for Stars

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has demonstrated strong support for the national football team, Taifa Stars, by providing a special flight Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner to ferry players, coaches and officials from Morocco back to Dar es Salaam following their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 tournament.

Taifa Stars exited the tournament after a narrow 1–0 loss to hosts Morocco, ending a historic campaign that saw Tanzania advance to the Round of 16 for the first time in AFCON history.

Confirming the development, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, said the President personally arranged the aircraft to ensure a dignified return for the team and delegation.

“In addition to providing the aircraft to bring Taifa Stars back home, the President has also organised a special luncheon on January 10 at State House, Magogoni, to officially congratulate Taifa Stars and other athletes who have performed exceptionally well in various sports,” Msigwa stated.

He further explained that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner departed from Dar es Salaam early yesterday and landed in Rabat, Morocco, and is expected to return to Tanzania tomorrow. The aircraft is expected to arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) at approximately 10:00 am.

Commenting on the team’s overall performance, Msigwa emphasised that the government has fully met its obligations to Taifa Stars and expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress.

“As the government, we are pleased with the performance of our national team. This was Tanzania’s first time reaching the Round of 16 at AFCON, which in itself is a major milestone.

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“Our objective was to progress beyond the group stage, and we achieved it. This success reflects the commitment and hard work of our players and technical bench,” he said.

Msigwa noted that while the government continues to fulfill its responsibilities, the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) is actively strengthening the technical and tactical development of national teams across all levels.

He also praised Head Coach Miguel Gamondi, describing the achievement as historic.

“The work done by Coach Gamondi is no small feat. This is a remarkable accomplishment that has set a new chapter in the history of Tanzanian football. We sincerely congratulate him for this milestone,” Msigwa concluded.