Tanzania U17 Women’s Coach Calls for Confidence Ahead of Zambia Clash
Tanzania U17 Women’s National Team assistant coach, Bertha Kazobe, has emphasized the importance of confidence and adherence to the team’s playing philosophy ahead of their second-leg qualifier against Zambia at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday.
Kazobe, speaking at the pre-match press briefing, highlighted that her team would focus on their usual possession-based style of play rather than succumbing to the pressure of overturning a 3-0 deficit from the first leg. She stressed that her players should express themselves on the pitch and play with confidence.
“We are going to emphasize players playing according to our philosophy and having confidence on the ball,” said Kazobe. “We are not putting too much pressure on the players to score more goals. They should be themselves and express themselves on the pitch. We should play according to the philosophy—that is, the possession game—and if the goals come, then good for us.”
Kazobe also acknowledged the strength of Zambia’s team, praising the growth of women’s football in both countries, especially after recent appearances at the junior World Cup.
“Both Zambia and Tanzania are doing well in women’s football, having played at recent World Cups. Qualifying for the World Cup is not an easy task, but the two teams have done that and we hope the development of women’s football continues,” Kazobe said.
Tanzania will need to score at least four unanswered goals to overcome Zambia’s 3-0 advantage from the first leg in Dar es Salaam. However, Zambia’s team is determined to secure their spot in the next round, with support from their home crowd in Ndola.
The mood in Tanzania’s camp remains high as the players prepare for Saturday’s match. “We are all fine, the mood in camp is very high. We have high morale and we are just waiting for the game on Saturday,” said Tanzania’s captain, Janeth Matulanga.
The winner of this match will move on to the third and final round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, where they will face either Benin or DR Congo.
Tickets for the match are available from K20 at all Shoprite stores via Computicket.
