Simon Msuva set to miss Tanzania’s FIFA Series fixtures in Rwanda

Tanzania national team head coach Miguel Gamondi has confirmed the absence of striker Simon Msuva ahead of the upcoming FIFA Series scheduled to take place in Rwanda.

According to Gamondi, Tanzania’s efforts to get the services of Msuva during the Series, have hit a snag following the Middle East crisis arising from Israel-US war with Iran.

Kikosi cha @taifastars_ kitakachoingia kambini Machi 23, 2026 kujiandaa na michezo miwili ya FIFA Series 2026, Kigali, Rwanda@taifastars_ @nsc_bmt @caf_online pic.twitter.com/sJw3bekads

— TFF TANZANIA (@Tanfootball) March 18, 2026

Msuva, who has been playing for Al Talaba since 2024, is one of the key players in the Taifa Stars squad and has consistently been included due to his significant contributions on the field.

Msuva was unable to secure a flight

Gamondi confirmed to Daily News Msuva was unable to secure a flight out of Iraq, where he plays professional football, forcing him to remain there and miss the upcoming FIFA Series tournament.

Gamondi believes the FIFA Series will provide enough insight to assess his players as he continues shaping the side.

“Although we only have two games, they are sufficient to evaluate character, discipline and understanding,” said Gamondi.

Muda wa Nyota wa @TaifaStars_ kuingia kambini kuelekea FIFA Series 2026, Kigali, Rwanda pic.twitter.com/yczAApksdc

— TFF TANZANIA (@Tanfootball) March 22, 2026

On his team selection for the Series, he said: “It doesn’t matter where you play, be it in the country or abroad, all that matters is performance.

“There’s some protocol for choosing players, especially how many games they played in at least 45 days.”

Gamondi added: “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.”

Tanzania squad for FIFA Series;

Goalkeepers; Aishi Manula (Azam FC), Yona Amos (Pamba Jiji), Twalibu Nuru (Azam FC), Bakari Msimu (Coastal Union) and Elias Lameck (Azam FC).

Defenders; 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).

Midfielders; Kelvin Nashon (Pamba Jiji), Mudathir Yahaya (Young Africans), Novatus Dismas (Göztepe SK), Alphonce Mabula (Shamakhi), Faisal Salum (Azam FC), Kelvin John (Aalborg BK), Idd Suleiman (Azam FC), Charles M’mombwa (Florian FC), Tarryn Allarakhia (Rochdale AFC).

Strikers; Paul Peter (JKT) and Suleiman Mwalimu (Simba SC).