Taifa Stars’ new head coach Charles Boniface Mkwasa (left) responds to questions during a press conference in Dar es Salaam yesterday. On his left is his assistant, Hemed Morocco. photo | said khamis
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His remark stems from the fact that Taifa Stars trail 3-0 against Uganda Cranes with the second leg scheduled for Nelson Mandela Stadium early July. Mkwasa, who becomes the highly paid local coach after sealing a Sh28 million per month deal with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), said Stars have what it takes to overturn the score, but that would depend on the precision of his striking force.
Dar es Salaam. Newly appointed Taifa Stars head coach Charles Boniface Mkwasa admits that the national team faces a tall order to advance to the next round of the African Nations Championship (Chan).
His remark stems from the fact that Taifa Stars trail 3-0 against Uganda Cranes with the second leg scheduled for Nelson Mandela Stadium early July. Mkwasa, who becomes the highly paid local coach after sealing a Sh28 million per month deal with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), said Stars have what it takes to overturn the score, but that would depend on the precision of his striking force.
Mkwasa, a former Stars player who has yet to terminate his contract with Yanga, yesterday made his first selection of 26 players who will fly to Kampala for the Chan showdown.
“After that loss in Zanzibar, I think Taifa Stars chances of sailing through are slim. However, in football, anything is possible, it is up to us to try and overturn the score on their home soil. We can’t bow out without a fight,” said the outspoken coach.
“Uganda Cranes are very good at Mandela Stadium, but that is not a good reason for us to fear; we will fix Saturday’s weaknesses with hopes of defying the odds in Kampala.”
Besides, Mkwasa thanked his club, Yanga, for allowing him to serve the nation for three months and called upon fans and the media to rally behind Taifa Stars.
“I thank the TFF for considering me for this post; I also thank Yanga leaders for allowing me to undertake this special mission. It is my belief that the media and fans will come together and help lift spirits of our players,” he said.
“We want our players to be in a positive frame of mind, so booing or throwing missiles to players is unacceptable. Let’s rally behind them.”
Stars need to score four unanswered goals to sail through to the next round where they will clash with Sudan for a ticket to the 2016 Chan finals, which will be held in Rwanda.
In another development, Mkwasa has summoned Taifa Stars legend, Abdallah Kibadeni to serve as the team’s technical adviser.
Mkwasa, who will be assisted by Hemed Morocco, also has another legend, Peter Manyika as goalkeepers’ trainer.
