By Majuto Omary
The national soccer team head coach Marcio Maximo lavished praises on three players who have secured teams in North America and Europe.
Young Africans' defender Nadir Haroub and Moro United's Nizar Khalfan will join Vancouver Whitecaps of Canada for three-month trials while Henry Joseph signed a four-year deal with a Norwegian club, Kongsvinger.
The trio have been regular national team players under the Brazilian tactician.
The coach said their transfers mark a new era in Tanzanian football.
Speaking exclusively to The Citizen yesterday, Maximo was optimistic the three national team players would reach the highest level in soccer.
"They have opened the door for other players and I expect them to be good ambassadors of Tanzania abroad," he said.
"Their achievements signify that our national team has made some strides of late, I'm proud of them and I believe other players will follow their footsteps," he underscored.
Commenting on Joseph's transfer deal, Maximo said the team must have been impressed by his qualities as to bind him for four years.
"He is lucky to get a team in Europe, but he faces a tough challenge to be in form because their leagues are very competitive unlike America," he said.
Maximo said: "Joseph is very disciplined, therefore I believe he will be Tanzania's icon in Norway. I wish him and the rest best wishes."
Haroub and Khalfan left yesterday morning for Canada ready for the trials, according to LZ Enterprises official Rahim Kangezi.
Speaking before flying out Haroub said: "We have undergone rigorous training, thus nothing will stop us from passing our upcoming trials."
The players are scheduled to play their first match on July 9 when Whitecaps lock horns with Toronto FC in Toronto.
Meanwhile, the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) received Sh90 million cash donation from Vodacom, the money would serve to develop the Tanzania Soccer Academy (TSA).
Vodacom sponsorship manager Emillian Rwejuna said their company would continue to support the federation in a bid to foster soccer development.
