Three Tabora United foreign players granted permits
Some of the Tabora United players pose during a past match. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- The players are now awaiting licences from the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to feature in Sunday’s Tanzania Mainland Premier League match against Simba
Dar es Salaam. Tabora United fans have a reason to smile after their three foreign players having been granted work permits.
The players are now awaiting licences from the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to feature in Sunday’s Tanzania Mainland Premier League match against Simba at the Ali Hassan Mwinyi Stadium.
They are Gabonese goalkeeper Jean-Noel Amonome, who joined the team from AS Arta/Solar7 of Djibouti; Ugandan strike Joseph Akandwanaho from Mbarara City FC; and Cameroonian defensive midfielder Martial Zemba Ikoung, who previously played for Moroccan side Union Touarga Sportif.
Apart from them, the team’s Burkinabe attacking midfielder, Yacouba Songne, remains doubtful due to an injury picked up in the match against KMC on November 29 last year.
Speaking to The Citizen yesterday, Tabora United CEO Charles Obiny said the club have followed all procedures to obtain the permits, and the only remaining step is for the players to be issued with licences from TFF, which were expected by yesterday.
“We are in the process, and the good news is that we have applied. We hope to receive them today (yesterday). The reports circulating on social media are just rumours and hold no truth.
“The players are in intensive training ahead of the match, and our goal is to give our best performance,” said Obiny.
He also clarified that all the players have received their salaries and allowances.
“This means we are in good shape ahead of the match. All the players are in high spirits and ready to seek revenge. We lost the opening league match at the KMC Complex, and we do not want to repeat the same mistakes. The players are aware of that,” he said.
Regarding Songne’s availability, Obiny stated that his chance of playing are 50-50 due to the injury.
“Our medical team and technical bench are assessing the situation and will make a final decision on whether he can play or not.
“However, Heritier Makambo will not feature in the encounter due to accumulated bookings, as he is serving a one-match ban,” he added.
Tabora United currently sit fifth with 25 points from 15 matches. Their recent form has been commendable, with three wins and two draws in their last five matches.
