Ex-FKF boss Sam Nyamweya lauds Tanzania after AFCON outing
Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Sam Nyamweya has lauded the Tanzania national team’s performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Taifa Stars, as the Tanzania national team is otherwise referred to, were the only East African nation to compete at the continental tournament consisting of 26 sides.
Led by captain Mbwana Samatta and other bigwigs including Feisal Salum aka Fei Toto, goalkeeper Asha Manula and star forward Simon Msuva, the team posted two draws versus Zambia’s Chipolopolo and DR Congo’s Leopards, before a 3-0 loss to pre-tournament favourites Morocco led to an exit at the group stages.
Nevertheless, Nyamweya believes the Tanzania squad gave a good account of themselves.
“Although they did not progress to the round of 16 (at the tournament), their performance was commendable, showcasing the growth and potential of the team,” observed Nyamweya.
“Despite losing their opening match against Morocco, Tanzania led in their second match against Zambia who got an (equalising) goal in the match’s dying minutes. They drew the last match against experienced DR Congo.”
“I call upon the team and the East African Community (EAC) to focus on the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the Pamoja 2027 Africa Cup of Nations which will be hosted in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Our focus as a region should now be preparations for hosting a successful tournament. This includes strengething our squads.”
Nyamweya was at the helm of FKF between 2011 and 2016 and is remembered for a couple of triumphs.
This including steering Harambee Stars to that credible draw away to Nigeria in a 2014 World Cup qualification match, plus a triumph at the 2013 Cecafa Championships in Nairobi, and successfully negotiating for Kenya to be awarded the hosting rights for the 2018 Africa Nations Championshiop (CHAN).
The veteran football trainer has announced his intent to reclaim the FKF presidency in the 2024 polls and is certain to face competition from ex-footballers Samuel Owino ‘Kempes’ and Macdonald Mariga, plus Extreme Sports Chief Executive Hussein Mohammed and Gor Mahia secretary Sam Ocholla.
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