Africa-Press – Tanzania. FORMER Taifa Stars players have expressed support for the recent national team selection, which features several young talents ahead of the international friendly against Kuwait on November 14 in Cairo, Egypt.
They urged the newcomers to learn from the senior players, whose experience is key to their development.
The comments came from Madaraka Selemani, Adolf Rishald, Bakari Malima and Joseph Kanakamfumu, following the announcement of the squad early yesterday via the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) official social media accounts.
One of the notable inclusions is Kelvin John, who has not featured in the national team since March last year, when he scored in a 3-0 win against Mongolia in a FIFA Series match.
The squad notably left out senior players Mbwana Samatta and Simon Msuva, a decision the former stars welcomed as an opportunity for the younger players to prove themselves.
Mohamed Adolf Rishald told the Daily News that the national team has a capable coach Miguel Gamondi and the upcoming friendly offers players a chance to show their abilities.
“Good students make a good class. The players are the students and it is their task to absorb what the coach teaches,” he said.
Rishald stressed that players must understand their roles in possession, transition and defensive moments, noting that mistakes often come from a lack of focus or confidence.
Rishald recalled his own experience in the 1970s, when he was temporarily replaced by Mtemi Ramadhani.
He applauded Ramadhani’s performance, noting that it was the player’s first appearance for the national team.
Watching from the bench, Rishald recognised Ramadhani’s talent and commended him for doing an excellent job on the pitch.
“When Mtemi was given the chance, he gave everything and it impressed me. This is what young players must do now. They need to prove why they were selected and back the coach’s decisions,” he added.
Malima echoed this sentiment, emphasising the responsibility that comes with being called up.
“Young players, including Kelvin John, must carry the opportunity with weight. Consistency is key and juniors should learn from their seniors, who hold the key to their growth,” he said.
He added that opportunities to prove one’s potential are rare and when a player is given such a chance, they must give their best. Failing to do so could mean they might not receive another call-up.
Kanakamfumu also emphasised that young players have an opportunity to showcase their talent, build confidence in the national jersey and make a name for them on the international stage.
“This is the time for players like Kelvin John to add value to their names and talent. In their clubs, they may perform well, but the national team is a platform to grow further,” he said.
Selemani noted that rotation in friendly games is important. While acknowledging the value of Samatta and Msuva, he said giving opportunities to others is essential.
“Senior players bring professionalism and experience, which helps guide young talents both on and off the pitch. Players must give their all, as results are what matter at this level,” he added.
Rishald also cited former senior player Abdallah Kibadeni during his time was an example of how experienced players can inspire and encourage juniors, boosting their confidence and performance.
The squad will gather for the friendly against Kuwait, providing a platform for the new faces to impress and for the team to prepare for future challenges.
The players called to the national team include Yakoub Suleiman from Simba SC, Hussein Masalanga from Singida BS, Zuberi Foba from Azam FC, Bakari Mwamnyeto from Young Africans, Shomari Kapombe from Simba SC and Mohamed Hussein from Yanga.
Others are Alphonce Mabula from Shamakhi in Azerbaijan, Mudathir Yahya from Yanga, Wilson Nangu from Simba SC, Novatus Dismas from Göztepe FC in Turkey, Pascal Msindo from Azam FC, Ibrahim Abdulla from Yanga, Hajimnoga from Salford City in England and Dickson Job from Yanga.
In the squad also are Habibu Idd from Singida BS, Tarryn Allarakhia from Rochdale AFC in England, Charles M’Mombwa from Floriana FC in Malta, Suleiman Mwalimu from Simba SC, Feisal Salum from Azam FC, Morice Abraham from Simba SC, Abdul Suleiman from Azam FC, Paul Peter from JKT Tanzania and Kelvin John from Aalborg BK in Denmark.
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