Tanzania envisions quality squad for AFCON
DODOMA: THE Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has introduced special programs to nurture and manage three national youth teams in a move aimed at preparing a strong team for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The teams to benefit from the new program are national U-15, U-17 ,and U-23 teams.
The main objective of these initiatives is to build a strong and competitive senior national team that will effectively represent the country in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, in which Tanzania will serve as the host nation.
This was revealed in Parliament in Dodoma by the Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma, while responding to a question from Hassan Kungu, Member of Parliament for Tunduru North. The MP had inquired about the government’s strategy for preparing a solid national team for the historic AFCON 2027 tournament.
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Adding, the Deputy Minister said the government is undertaking various efforts aimed at promoting and strengthening local football. One of these efforts includes enhancing domestic football leagues by ensuring greater competition, discipline, and transparency to help discover and develop local talent.
He further explained that the government and TFF have initiated and continue implementing a talent-scouting program targeting Tanzanian players living abroad (the diaspora). This scouting initiative has already shown positive results, as several of these players have been integrated into the national team (Taifa Stars), contributing significantly in recent matches, including those that led to AFCON qualification.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that hosting AFCON 2027 is a great honour and a historic opportunity for the country. He assured that the government is fully committed to ensuring that Taifa Stars does not just participate as the host nation, but also competes at a high level and demonstrates the strength of Tanzanian football.
