Taifa Stars battle Bafana Bafana in build-up to Chan and Cosafa

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s national football team, the Taifa Stars, will face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana tonight in a high-stakes international build-up match.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 PM East Africa Time at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.

It promises to be a thrilling contest, as both teams aim for a morale-boosting win ahead of upcoming international competitions across the continent.

Taifa Stars head coach, Hemed “Morocco” Suleiman, has described the match as a crucial test for his squad as they prepare for the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

According to him, this match, along with other scheduled fixtures, will offer the team valuable insights and readiness for both CHAN and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“We are taking these matches very seriously because they are important for our preparations ahead of CHAN and AFCON.

 South Africa is a strong side and has been performing well lately, but we also have a solid team. This match will help us measure our progress and readiness,” said Morocco.

In addition to facing Bafana Bafana, Taifa Stars will participate in the COSAFA Cup as an invited team.

During the tournament, they will take on Madagascar and Eswatini—two competitive sides known for their pace and technical skills.

“We’ve become more competitive, and that’s what Tanzanians should expect—positive results and strong performances in both the friendly against South Africa and the COSAFA Cup fixtures,” Morocco added.

He also emphasized the importance of blending experience with youth, noting that the squad includes seasoned players alongside promising young talents.

“Our squad is a mix of experienced and younger players. These matches are a great platform for building confidence, improving teamwork, and identifying areas for tactical improvement,” he explained.

Acting team captain Simon Msuva echoed the coach’s remarks, stressing the importance of these matches for both individual players and the team as a whole.

“These matches are vital as we prepare for what lies ahead. We have CHAN and other important tournaments coming up, so this is more than just preparation—it’s an opportunity to grow, to test ourselves, and most importantly, to represent and fight for our country,” said Msuva.

With Tanzanian fans eager to see the Taifa Stars in action, tonight’s fixture marks the beginning of a critical phase in the team’s development.