NATIONAL football team, Taifa Stars Coach, Hemed Suleiman, has expressed strong confidence in his squad, as they prepare for the final two matches of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Ethiopia and Guinea.
Suleiman’s remarks came yesterday as the national team gathered for their first training session at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam. The session marked the beginning of an intense preparation period as the team gears up for the decisive encounters that could secure their place in next year’s AFCON finals in Morocco.
“We have started preparations early to keep our team fit for the next two games against Ethiopia and Guinea.
Victory in these two games is important as will guarantee us ticket to participate in AFCON 2024. We are very confident that we will qualify and play in AFCON,” said coach Suleiman during the training.
Suleiman, who has closely followed his players’ performances both at home and abroad, expressed immense faith in the squad’s ability to rise to the occasion.
“I have a lot of trust in these players because they are very capable. I have seen them perform at their teams and I know what they are capable of on the international stage,” he said.
Reflecting on the team’s recent form, the coach noted that despite a disappointing loss to DR Congo, there were positive signs.
“If you look at the DR Congo (Democratic Republic of Congo) match, we lost, but we fought back and seized possession of the ball throughout the game.
“As a coach, I believe that there is progress as the days go on. Even though the national team does not have all of its direct players yet, I see that they are flexible and willing to adapt.”
Coach Suleiman also addressed the current makeup of the squad, mentioning that while the players from the Tanzanian Premier League are already present and in good shape, those playing for foreign clubs have not yet joined the camp.
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“We have almost 7 days to prepare with a good rhythm for the National team,” he noted.
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