Taifa Stars new coach Kim Poulsen

Taifa Stars new coach Kim Poulsen has unexpectedly won appreciation from the Tanzania Breweries Limited, the new sponsors of the team.

The TBL’s brand manager for the

Kilimanjaro Premium Lager, George Kavishe, said Poulsen looks serious and competent enough to transform Tanzanian soccer ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

Kavishe was speaking during a luncheon when the coach was introduced to the new sponsors of the team in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

The luncheon invitation was also extended to players of the team led by skipper Juma Kaseja.

Kavishe appreciated efforts of the team despite a 2-0 loss to Cote d’Ivoire last Saturday in Abidjan.

“I have been told you put up a splendid performance against one of the continent’s football powerhouses,” said Kavishe.

The brand manager said he believes Stars would make a breakthrough to win the qualifier berth and wished them the best of luck in the second qualifier tie against Gambia to be played at the National Stadium in Dare s Salaam on Sunday.

“We need to create an atmosphere for Tanzanians to be proud of their team through winning matches. They have to turn up at the stadium in big numbers and cheer the national team in the spirit of cooperation,” said Kavishe.

He also urged players not to be flamboyant and they need to be closer to the fans and play in the spirit of patriotism.

Players’ discipline is one of the major ingredients underlined by Kavishe during his yesterday’s speech.

Poulsen thanked the brewers for handsome sponsorship package which he believes would inspire the team to post victories.

“Now we can project long term plans as we have confidence with stable sponsorship,” said Poulsen.

The coach said he has been impressed with the stability of sponsors and the resultant impact is for football standard to make improvement.

Taifa Stars slipped up during the qualifier’s opener and have a crucial match against Gambia on Sunday.