Former 26 time Tanzania Premier League champions Young Africans (Yanga)Argentine coach Miguel Gamondi has been appointed as the Tanzania national football team Taifa Stars on a two-year contract.
The contract was formally signed , on February 16, 2026, during a ceremony held at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and officiated by the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda alongside Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) President Wallace Karia.
Gamondi, who initially took charge of Taifa Stars on an interim basis shortly before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, now assumes the role permanently as Tanzania begins long-term preparations for the 2027 AFCON, which the country will co-host alongside Kenya and Uganda.
Gamondi’s reappointment in a country Taifa Stars, that had eight different football head coaches since 2019, follows Tanzania’s historic campaign at the 2025 AFCON, where Taifa Stars reached the Round of 16 for the first time in the nation’s history – ending a 45-year wait since their maiden appearance at the continental finals in 1980.
“The government, through the federation, has decided to officially appoint him to lead the team in its mission to compete strongly at AFCON 2027, where Tanzania will be among the hosts,” said Makonda.
“He has shown that he can do the job. He did a wonderful job during AFCON in Morocco, and we believe he can take us even further. The government is fully backing him to ensure we are not just hosts, but genuine competitors in 2027,” he added.
Gamondi’s reappointment follows Tanzania’s historic campaign at the 2025 AFCON, where Taifa Stars reached the Round of 16 for the first time in the nation’s history – ending a 45-year wait since their maiden appearance at the continental finals in 1980.
The Argentine tactician stepped in to replace Hemed Suleiman ‘Morocco’ just weeks before the tournament kicked off. Despite limited preparation time, he quickly assembled a competitive squad that exceeded expectations.
Tanzania opened their campaign with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Nigeria before earning a 1-1 draw against regional rivals Uganda. They concluded the group stage with another 1-1 stalemate against Tunisia.
Although they did not register a win in the group phase, Taifa Stars progressed as one of the four best third-placed teams, edging Angola on goals scored to secure a historic place in the knockout stage. Tunisia finished second in Group C with four points, five behind group leaders Nigeria.
In the Round of 16, Tanzania faced hosts Morocco in a tightly contested encounter, eventually falling 1-0. Despite the defeat, the performance was widely praised both domestically and across the continent.
For a nation that had previously played 12 AFCON matches across four tournaments without advancing beyond the group stage, the achievement marked a significant turning point.
His immediate mandate is to build a tactically disciplined squad capable of competing not just respectably, but ambitiously, when Tanzania hosts AFCON 2027.
Speaking after signing the contract, Gamondi expressed pride and determination to build on the progress made.
“This is a huge responsibility, but I am ready for it. It is an honour to continue the journey we started, and I am eager to embrace the challenge of leading this great nation,” he said.
“I will channel all my energy into building a fearless and competitive Taifa Stars. My goal is to develop a team capable of standing tall against Africa’s best.”
“With strong cooperation from the federation, the government and the fans, I am confident we can deliver results that will make all Tanzanians proud,” he noted.
Born in Olavarría, Argentina, Gamondi began his football journey as a player with Ferrocarril Sud before transitioning into coaching. Over the years, he managed several clubs in Argentina and built extensive experience across Africa.
He previously worked in technical roles at prominent African clubs including ASEC Mimosas, Wydad Casablanca, Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Étoile du Sahel. In Tanzania, he enjoyed domestic success with Young Africans (Yanga), leading them to a league title in 2024, and later guided Singida Black Stars to the CECAFA Club Champions trophy.
His familiarity with Tanzanian football and proven ability to deliver results at both club and national level are viewed as major advantages as the country prepares for its biggest footballing event in decades.
