Africa-Press – Tanzania. TAIFA Stars Head Coach Miguel Gamondi has underlined his commitment to building a competitive future for the senior men’s national team, Taifa Stars, by blending continuity with emerging talent as preparations for the FIFA Series and next year’s AFCON finals.
Speaking during the team’s opening training session on Monday, the Argentine tactician expressed satisfaction with the early progress in camp before the squad travelled yesterday to Kigali, Rwanda, for the FIFA Series. Gamondi has largely retained the backbone of the squad that featured at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), signalling stability in both structure and playing philosophy, while gradually introducing new faces as part of a long-term rebuilding plan for Taifa Stars.
“This squad keeps the core structure of the AFCON 2025 team while introducing some new faces. We want to start giving opportunities to younger players and help them grow into the national team,” said Gamondi.
Ahead of the FIFA Series, the coach noted that the competition presents a key platform for experimentation and player development, particularly for younger members of the squad stepping into the senior setup. He confirmed that he will rotate his 24-man squad across the two matches to ensure maximum game time and exposure for all players.
“We want to give as many players as possible minutes to build experience. It is an important opportunity for both the younger and more experienced players,” he said.
The 24-man squad includes two new goalkeepers, Yona Amosi of Pamba Jiji and Mohamed Musa, both earning maiden national team call-ups. From the goalkeepers who featured in the last AFCON finals squad, only Zuberi Foba has been retained, while Aishi Manula returns to the national team after a long absence.
One notable absentee is experienced winger Simon Msuva, who has been ruled out due to travel complications. In response, the technical bench has called up Morris Abraham to maintain balance and competitiveness within the squad.
“Unfortunately, Msuva cannot join us, but we have adjusted accordingly. The important thing is to keep the team competitive,” Gamondi added.
Behind the scenes, the coaching staff has been engaged in detailed tactical analysis, studying opponents and reviewing player performances to ensure the team is fully prepared both physically and mentally. Within the camp, players have embraced Gamondi’s philosophy, with midfielder Kelvin Nashoni stressing the importance of confidence and mentality in performance.
“Football is about mindset. You must believe in yourself and play without fear. That belief gives you the confidence to perform,” he said.
Elsewhere, Feisal Salum credited Taifa Stars captain Mbwana Samatta as a key inspiration in his national team journey, despite the striker’s absence from the current squad. Wingback Nickson Kibabage reflected on his career transformation, revealing he began as a winger before being converted into a defender by former coach Kim Poulsen during the 2007 Africa Cup of Nations.
As preparations continue, Gamondi emphasised that while results remain important, the primary focus is building a disciplined, adaptable and unified team capable of sustaining performance at the highest level.
“This is a long-term process,” he said. “Our priority is to compete at a high level and represent Tanzania with full commitment.”
