Serengeti Boys have to deliver

The team (with different composition of players) were disqualified to compete in the same championship ten years ago on grounds of fielding over-aged player, Nurdin Bakari.
However, a turn of fortune this time came to their favour when Congo were thrown out of the stage for similar offence despite winning the qualifier berth.

While it is reported that the mood is high for the boys who are on fire to realise their dream for appearance in big stage soccer, the fact remains that they have a tough assignment ahead.

Joy for reclaiming the qualifier berth should be reciprocated with success in the continent’s high profile teen soccer championship.

It is now or never as coaches, players and the football federation should work hard in preparation so as to ease the team’s performance at the championship.

The team’s role now is not just to feature in the tourney but rather to sparkle and bring happiness to millions of fans at home who will be following the progress of the event with incredible tenacious zeal.

This is not the time for the boys to feel big headed while they have tough assignment ahead. Success in the tourney must begin with hard work in training. Actually training is the hardest part of winning the title rather than playing the matches. Very possible matches will be easy to win if practice sessions will be done with precise care.

While teams have always been returning from such high-profile events with barrage of excuses after dismal shows, we don’t want this to happen for the Serengeti Boys.

News for the continental berth redemption was broken ages ago and the team still have ample time to prepare adequately for the championship.Though this is their maiden appearance in the competition, still there is a winner at the end of it.

Coach Bakari Shime and his assistants should realise the burden resting on their shoulders to lead a team which is highly backed at home to bring the much needed success from such big stages, that have consistently been eluded by their senior team counterparts.

The Tanzania Football Federation has openly claimed its mission to push for victory in Gabon. However, this might easily be said but usually turns out to be difficult in execution.

TFF should show the way for material and moral support for the team. Money has not always been the driving force behind football success. The one billion shillings needed to prepare the team ahead of the tourney should not be a stumbling block to mould a winning outfit.

It’s the players who have to work hard on the field of play and not the money, we need a well trained and formidable side to excel in the tourney and not politics.

The rest of the fans at home are jovial to have their youngsters play football at such precious stage when the world will be watching as talent scouts are gearing up to absorb whoever sparkles.