Taifa Stars squad made a surprise departure to South Africa where they will pitch a 10-day training camp.

Stars were to fly to Oman for the peddled training, but the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) made a U-turn at the eleventh hour after failing to secure visas. The federation instead, opted to set up a camp in South Africa where they will also play some build-up matches.

Taifa Stars are preparing for their double-legged 2018 World Cup second round against Algeria on November 14.

The match will take place at the 60,000-seater National Stadium with the second leg showdown scheduled for Algiers three days later.

Stars head coach Charles Mkwasa expressed his shock over the unexpected change of the camp destination, but said he was happy that the Oman trip was abortive.

“I was surprised to hear that the team will be heading to South Africa instead of Oman. No reason was given to me, but I am delighted that we will camp in the country that I had earlier suggested. Let’s hope that everything will go according to plan,” said Mkwasa shortly before leaving.

Stars have left for South Africa with 24 players out of 28 who were summoned by Mkwasa last week.

“Maguri will join the team on Wednesday (tomorrow) after serving his team against Mgambo JKT. We hope that he will not pick an injury,” said Mkwasa. As for Samatta and Ulimwengu, Mkwasa said the duo will join the team after playing their African Champions League second leg final against Algeria’s Usma Algers.

Squad: Ali Mustafa, Aishi Manula and Saidi Mohamed, all goalkeepers.

Defenders: Juma Abdul, Haji Mwinyi, Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, Hassan Kessy, Nadir Haroub, Kelvin Yondani, Salim Mbonde, Hassan Isihaka.

Midfielders: Salum Telela, Himid Mao, Jonas Mkude, Salum Abubakari, Saidi Ndemla, and Frank Domayo.

Forwards: Simon Msuva, Farid Mussa, Malimi Busungu, John Bocco and Ibrahim Ajibu.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com