Stars head coach says South Africa friendly key ahead of CHAN
Taifa Stars players celebrate after qualifying for the AFCON finals. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Morocco said the matches are being taken seriously, as they offer valuable preparation for two major tournaments: the CHAN and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s national football team, Taifa Stars, head coach Hemed “Morocco” Suleiman has said the international friendly match against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana will be the perfect test ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Taifa Stars will take on South Africa on June 6 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The match will be followed by fixtures against Madagascar and Eswatini in the COSAFA Cup, where Tanzania will participate as an invited team.
Morocco said the matches are being taken seriously, as they offer valuable preparation for two major tournaments: the CHAN and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“These are big matches for us, especially the one against South Africa, who are currently performing well. But we also have a strong team, so it’s a good opportunity to see how we measure up ahead of CHAN,” said Morocco.
“It’s encouraging to get opportunities like these. We’ve become more competitive, and that’s what Tanzanians should expect—positive results and strong performances in both the friendly and COSAFA games.
“Our squad is a mix of experienced and young players, and these games provide a great platform for building confidence and developing team chemistry,” he added.
The team’s interim captain, Simon Msuva, echoed Morocco’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the matches for both individual and team development.
“These matches are vital as we prepare for what’s ahead. We have CHAN and other major tournaments coming up, so this is a great chance not only to prepare but also to represent and fight for our country,” said Msuva.
Meanwhile, team delegation leader James Mhagama said the invitation to participate in the COSAFA tournament is a reflection of Tanzania’s growing stature in regional football. “The fact that we’ve been invited speaks volumes. When you look at how many teams exist in East and Central Africa, and Tanzania is the one chosen—it shows we’re doing something right,” said Mhagama.
He urged Tanzanians to rally behind the team and have confidence in the current squad as they head into this important international assignment.
“These matches are more than just friendlies or regional games—they’re part of a journey. With the right support, our team can make the country proud,” he concluded.
