Stars confront Burundi today

Dar es Salaam. The national team (Taifa Stars) faces a test of character this evening when they engage Burundi’s Intamba mu Rugamba in a friendly battle at the National Stadium. 

Despite the rivalry between the two East African sides, the match does not fall on Fifa dates as it is specially organised to cap celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

The two sides have named their strongest possible squads, thus promising an end-to-end affair at the 60-seater facility.

The match will also serve as part of the two teams’ preparations for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers planned to kick-off next month.

The draw for the 2015 Afcon finals will be held tomorrow in Cairo, Egypt and there is a chance for the two nations to lock horns again in less than a month.

Today’s match will be officiated by Kenyan Anthony Ogwayo who will be assisted by his countrymen Gilbert Cheruiyot and Oliver Odhiambo while the fourth official will be Israel Mujuni of Tanzania.

Stars, who have been sharpening their skills at Kunduchi under caretaker Salum Mayanga, will be motivated by the fact that new head coach Martinus Ignatius “Mart” Nooij will be watching from the stands.

The Dutch tactician has taken up the reigns after the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) parted ways with Danish Kim Poulsen two months ago.

Mayanga said yesterday that his boys were in the right frame of mind, hoping to cap the celebrations with a victory over Burundi.

“There is an air of expectation at the camp and I am really confident that the team will deliver on Saturday (today),” said Mayanga who will be assisting the Dutch coach.

However, Stars will be without the services of three first team players, namely Mbwana Samata and Thomas Ulimwengu of DR Congo’s TP Mazembe and Mwinyi Kazimoto who plies his trade at Al Markhiya of Qatari.

Mayanga said winger Mrisho Ngassa is also a doubt for the match while goalkeeper Mwadini Ali who has a bout of malaria will not play.

Meanwhile, Amisi Tambwe, a Burundi international who features for Simba SC, has predicted a tough match considering the quality of players in both camps.

“It is going to be a tough but exciting match because both teams have very good players. However, I believe that Burundi will carry the day.”