Tanzania to use South Africa friendly to measure readiness for CHAN – Suleiman

Photo Credit - Tanzania Football Federation.

Tanzania’s head coach Hemed ‘Morocco’ Suleiman has emphasised the importance of their FIFA international friendly against South Africa, noting that it will offer insights into his team’s tactical shape, readiness, and competitiveness ahead of upcoming tournaments.

Taifa Stars will lock horns with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa on Friday. For Taifa Stars, the clash serves as a vital warm-up ahead of their COSAFA Group C matches against Eswatini and Madagascar.

“These are big matches for us, especially the one against South Africa, who are currently performing well,” said Suleiman, as quoted by the Guardian. “But we also have a strong team, so it’s a good opportunity to see how we measure up ahead of CHAN.”

“It’s encouraging to get opportunities like these. We’ve become more competitive, and that’s what Tanzanians should expect; positive results and strong performances in both the friendly and COSAFA games.”

Taifa Stars last assignment was during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches when they lost 2-0 against Morocco. Tanzania are the guest team during the COSAFA tournament in South Africa.

South Africa and Tanzania have met on three previous occasions. The first encounter was in a Four Nations tournament in October 2002, which ended 1-1, with Taifa Stars winning on penalties.