Flames foresee good test against Tanzania

The Flames believe Tanzania’s Taifa Stars will offer them a good test in this afternoon’s international friendly match ahead of next weekend’s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Kenya.

Flames coach Kinnah Phiri and his stand-in captain Moses ‘Luba’ Chavula said the game will provide them an ideal opportunity to tune up for the Harambee Stars.

Said Chavula: “We could not have asked for a better international friendly match because Kenya and Tanzania play more or less the same type of football.

“The coach will also have a chance to try different combinations in the two international friendlies [ the other one against Zanzibar].”

Kinnah said this afternoon’s friendly will also provide him a chance to assess players such as Russell Mwafulirwa and Jimmy Zakazaka who missed recent international games.

“They have done well during training, but I need to see how they will cope in a game situation. Russell has also not been active for sometime now; otherwise, I have confidence in the squad I have selected,” said Kinnah.

Tanzania coach Kim Poulsen has also named a number of new faces in his squad.

According to Tanzania press reports, the new Danish coach has named 22 players as he begins preparations for next month’s 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

He has dropped several experienced stars in favour of a more youthful squad.

“I have selected these youngsters because I believe they can do the job for the national team,” Poulsen told the press.

He coached Tanzania’s Under-17 and Under-20 before taking over the senior team, replacing his compatriot Jan Poulsen.

The 52-year old has dispensed with regulars such as captain Shadrack Nsajigwa, Nadir Haroub, Henry Joseph, Nizal Khalfan and Abdi Kassim.

Instead, there is a recall for young striker Mbwana Samata, who plays in DR Congo for TP Mazembe and had been declared unwanted by the former coach.

There were also first call-ups for several players from the Under-20 side, including Ramadhani Singano, Edward Christopher and Frank Domayo.

Poulsen is reported to have said there is a future in the youthful team and he believes its performance will grow.

The squad started a training camp on Wednesday in preparation for today’s strength-testing match.

Poulsen’s first competitive game is next month away against Cote d’Ivoire in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, then at home against the Gambia.