By Business Insider Reporter
Tanzania has formally appointed Miguel Gamondi as head coach of the national football team, Tanzania national football team, in a move aimed at building momentum towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the country will co-host.
The announcement was made by Paul Makonda, Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, during a contract signing ceremony held at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on February 16, 2026.
Makonda confirmed that Gamondi had signed a formal two years contract following an impressive stint as interim coach during 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Under his temporary leadership, Taifa Stars reached the Round of 16 for the first time in the nation’s history – a milestone widely regarded as a breakthrough for Tanzanian football.
Reward for historic AFCON run
Gamondi’s appointment marks a vote of confidence from the government and the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), which view continuity as essential to sustaining the team’s recent progress.
According to Makonda, Gamond will be paid by the government though he will work under TFF guidelines and directives.
At AFCON 2025, Tanzania’s disciplined defensive structure and improved tactical organisation drew praise from regional analysts, signalling a shift from the team’s traditionally inconsistent performances on the continental stage.
Reaching the knockout phase not only elevated the squad’s profile but also reignited domestic interest in the national team.
Makonda said the decision to confirm Gamondi was driven by performance merit and strategic planning.
“He has demonstrated high-level technical capability and delivered historic results. We believe he is the right person to lead Taifa Stars into AFCON 2027,” he said.
Eyes on AFCON 2027
Tanzania is preparing to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside regional partners, placing additional pressure on the national side to be competitive on home soil. Hosting the tournament is expected to bring significant infrastructure upgrades, tourism inflows and commercial opportunities tied to broadcasting, sponsorship and hospitality.
For Taifa Stars, however, the immediate priority will be squad development, strengthening youth pipelines and improving international match exposure.
Gamondi is expected to focus on blending experienced players with emerging domestic talent, particularly from the country’s increasingly competitive Premier League.
A new chapter for Tanzanian football
Historically, Tanzania has struggled to make a sustained impact at AFCON, with limited appearances and early exits. The 2025 campaign therefore represented a psychological and sporting turning point.
By securing Gamondi on a permanent basis, authorities are signalling a long-term commitment to stability and high-performance management, rather than the short-term coaching changes that have previously disrupted continuity. With the countdown to AFCON 2027 underway, expectations are rising that the Taifa Stars can capitalise on home advantage and build on their historic Round of 16 achievement – transforming promise into a genuine continental challenge.
