Time to focus on next Afcon

The recent journey of the Tanzania national football team, fondly known as Taifa Stars, in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) held in Ivory Coast, has been a rollercoaster of emotions for fans and pundits alike.

While they may have fallen short in advancing to the knockout stage, there is a silver lining that could potentially shape the nation's footballing destiny – the need for players to feature prominently in the esteemed football leagues and clubs.

In Group F, Taifa Stars faced formidable opponents, including football powerhouses like Morocco, who hold the top spot in Africa and 13th globally according to FIFA rankings.

 The disparity in experience and exposure became evident as Morocco, DR Congo, and Zambia's squads boasted players from some of Europe's most renowned clubs in England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France. In contrast, Tanzania's high-profile representative was Mbwana Samatta, who had a brief stint in the English Premier League.

Despite these challenges, the Taifa Stars showcased commendable resilience, collecting two points from three matches. This marks a notable improvement compared to previous editions, where the team struggled to make an impact, collecting a mere point in the 1980 edition and finishing at the bottom without any points in Egypt in 2019.

The Ivory Coast's results should serve as a wake-up call for the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).

The potential for success lies in the willingness to invest in intensive training and comprehensive preparations for upcoming editions.

The onus now falls on the TFF and the government to strategize for the 2025 Afcon finals in Morocco, where Tanzania will learn from their opponents in a week.

It is crucial to seize this opportunity and lay the groundwork for future success.

Looking beyond immediate challenges, the focus should extend to the 2027 Afcon event, which Tanzania is set to co-host with Kenya and Uganda.

This presents a unique chance for the nation to leave a lasting mark on the international football stage.

The government and TFF must collaborate to cultivate talent, enhance infrastructure, and provide the necessary resources to propel Tanzanian football to new heights.

The path to success for Taifa Stars lies in offering players exposure to top-tier football leagues.

By featuring in prominent clubs, they not only enhance their skills but also contribute significantly to the national team's prowess.

This approach will undoubtedly strengthen Tanzania's representation in future international competitions and set the stage for a footballing renaissance in the nation. As the curtains close on the current Afcon, let this be a rallying call for a united effort towards a brighter footballing future for Tanzania.