Tanzania national team Taifa Stars captain captain Mbwana Samatta has been dropped from the country’s squad named for the upcoming FIFA Series in Rwanda.
TAIFA Stars head coach Miguel Gamondi has named a 25-man squad while leaving out the ex-Aston Villa’s Samatta who plays for Turkish top flight league side Feberbahce and SC Simba right back Shomari Kapombe, recalling Kapombe’s teammate the 2017 Golden Gloves award winner goalkeeper Aishi Manula.
Gamondi stressed that the selection was primarily based on players’ current form and club playing time.
“It doesn’t matter where you play, be it in the country or abroad, all that matters is performance,” he said, highlighting the importance of regular minutes for match fitness and consistency.
“There’s some protocol for choosing players, especially how many games they played in at least 45 days,” said Gamondi.
He also addressed a common perception among fans that players from dominant domestic clubs are more likely to be selected.
“When you wear the Taifa Stars jersey, there are no clubs, only the nation. We must leave everything behind and fight together for Tanzania. That is the only identity that matters,” the Argentine tactician said at a press conference.
The national team will travel to Rwanda for two fixtures, which Gamondi believes will provide enough insight to assess his players as he continues shaping the side.
Gamondi has selected a balanced mix of youths and experience, signalling his intention to build a competitive, adaptable squad capable of executing his tactical vision.
Among those called up are goalkeeper Aishi Manula (Azam FC), Yona Amos (Pamba Jiji), Twalibu Nuru (Azam FC), Bakari Msimu (Coastal Union) and Elias Lameck (Azam FC).
The defensive unit includes Haji Mnoga (Salford City), Nickson Kibabage (Simba SC), Bakari Mwamnyeto and Mohamed Hussein (Young Africans SC), as well as Ibrahim Abdullah (Young Africans) and Yusuf Kagoma (Simba SC).
In midfield and attack, the squad features Kelvin Nashon (Pamba Jiji), Mudathir Yahaya (Young Africans), Novatus Dismas (Göztepe SK), Alphonce Mabula (Shamakhi), Faisal Salum (Azam FC), Simon Msuva (Al-Talaba), Kelvin John (Aalborg BK), Idd Suleiman (Azam FC), Charles M’mombwa (Florian FC), Tarryn Allarakhia (Rochdale AFC). Strikers are Paul Peter (JKT) and Suleiman Mwalimu (Simba SC).