Of the starting eleven that earned a draw away to the Cranes of Uganda, six were players who currently ply their trade in the Tanzanian Premier League.
“I had to start with these boys because the were prepared, ready to give their best and fight to the last to achieve a positive result on the field of play.” Speaking to www.footballive.ng on why he had to start with mostly home based players.
“I took note of some of the players during my tour to different Tanzania Premier League match venue where i noticed some of them with prospect, character and the required focus necessary to grow National Team.”
Amuneke went on to state that he worked with the players self-believe and confidence to make the opportunity given to them to make Tanzanians proud count thereby seizing the opportunity to become stars of the Tanzania National Team.
Footballive also confirmed that several foreign based players invited declined the invitation on grounds that there respective clubs did not release them which also played a large role in the Coach’s decision to rely on the home based player.
Despite his belief that his team could still offer more, Emmanuel Amuneke was delighted with the way his team fought like lions showing strength, vigour standing firm not giving up on the field of play.
He praised the Ugandans for their style of play but said he prepared his players to nullify their threat using the tools at his disposal and his previous knowledge of the opponent.
The TAIFA Stars are set to face Cape Verde next in a double header clash and the former Al Khartoum Watani Coach said his plan was to win away first before coming to complete the double.
The former Golden Eaglets Coach concluded by praising the FA for the remarkable support he had received while so thanking the fans for their support and praising the players for not letting the fans down.
