Mbwana Samatta

Tension is mounting between the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s top flight side of TP Mazembe over the release of striking duo of Mbwana Samata and Thomas Ulimwengu for yesterday’s friendly against Botswana played in Gaborone.

TFF has bemoaned the decision taken by the DRC club to retain Samata and Ulimwengu who were supposed to join the Tanzania national soccer team ahead of the Botswana friendly yesterday.

TFF intends to forward complaints over the unavailability of the striking duo to serve the national team.

TP Mazembe has refused to release the playing duo on the grounds that they happen to report back late every time they are to serve the Tanzania national team.

TFF secretary general Angetile Osiah said it is not the responsibility of his body to assure timely return of the players after an international duty.

“A player knows his job. You do not tell them when to return early as this is their responsibility. We always provided return flight ticket for them,” he said.

 He said TFF has a strong intention to bring the players’ release dispute before FIFA.

The national team coach, Kim Poulsen, has replaced the duo with inexperienced Said Bahanuzi and Simon Msuva.

Bahanuzi, who emerged the golden boot award winner during last month’s Kagame Cup tournament staged in Dar es Salaam, was expected to make his debut appearance for the team in Botswana yesterday.