Hemed Suleiman: The mastermind behind Tanzania’s new football dawn
When Tanzania kicked off their TotalEnergies CHAN PAMOJA 2024 campaign, few outside the country gave them a chance. In a tournament brimming with powerhouses, the Taifa Stars were expected to play the role of underdogs.
Yet, on home soil, coach Hemed Suleiman orchestrated a football revolution that has become one of the most captivating stories in African football.
Finishing top of Group B, ahead of seasoned opponents such as Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, and the Central African Republic, was no accident.
It was the result of sheer belief, relentless work, and a bold vision.
The Relentless Believer
Speaking exclusively to CAFonline.com, Suleiman admitted his fight was as much psychological as tactical.
“It’s wonderful and incredible to achieve this feat at CHAN, especially after all the sacrifices. Nothing was easy; the entire coaching staff and players made a huge effort. This is a historic first for Tanzania in a major African competition.”
The coach reflected on his lonely battle of conviction: “Nobody believed we would go this far. I fought hard for these moments, I worked tirelessly, day and night. I’m the only one who believed in our ability to get out of the group stage.”
His words capture the essence of a man who stared down doubt and transformed it into destiny.
Rebuilding From Ruins
When Suleiman took charge, the team was in disarray. He started from scratch, introducing fresh energy and a new tactical identity.
“When I took over, the team was in ruins. We rebuilt everything from the ground up. At first, the team played very simply. Today, the players understand my expectations and are implementing my game plan perfectly.”
For the coach, history is not just about winning matches — it’s about giving Tanzanian football a new sense of purpose.
A Father First, A Coach Second
Perhaps Suleiman’s greatest strength lies in his human touch.
“My relationship with the players is like that of a father with his children. We don’t just talk about football. I live with the players, I support them even off the field. That bond has made our success possible.”
His unique blend of tactical clarity and emotional intelligence has been central to Tanzania’s transformation.
Stars Emerging From the Shadows
Under Suleiman’s watch, fresh talent has risen. Mzize Francis blossomed from obscurity: “Mzize is like my son. I spotted him with the U20s. No one believed in him. I brought in a psychologist to help him. I told him one day: You won’t be driving a bike, you’ll be driving a luxury car. Today, you see what he’s become.”
Mzize himself acknowledged: “He’s more than a coach, he’s a father. He even helped me with my family. That trust is what makes us strong.”
Goalkeeper Yakoub Suleiman Ali emerged as a rock between the posts: “I thank coach Hemed Suleiman and goalkeeper coach Osama Hamdan. I learned a lot at CHAN and I am ready for the challenges ahead.”
Hamdan explained the gamble that paid off: “Yakoub had the qualities of a great goalkeeper. He kept a clean sheet in all the group matches. He is exceptional.”
Tanzania’s Rise Beyond CHAN
CHAN is only part of a bigger journey. Suleiman proudly noted: “We have qualified for the TotalEnergies AFCON for the second consecutive time, something we have never seen before. We are also currently second in our World Cup qualifying group. And let’s not forget our qualification for the quarter-finals of the CHAN.”
For a nation once written off, these milestones show a renaissance in progress.
Respect for CAF and African Football’s Growth
The coach praised CAF’s organization and the broader progress of the game: “Organizing a competition in three countries for the first time is not easy, but it’s a success. African football has progressed enormously. We saw it at the World Cup with Morocco. We must be proud to be African and salute the contribution of CAF President Patrice Motsepe.”
Eyes on Morocco, Eyes on the Future
As Tanzania prepares for a showdown with Morocco, the reigning champions, Suleiman remains composed: “We respect them, but we’re not afraid. I know the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will be full, because the Tanzanian people now believe in their team.”
A New Chapter in Tanzanian Football
From the ruins of doubt to the heights of belief, Hemed Suleiman has reshaped Tanzania’s football narrative.
His methods blend hard work, vision, and heart — creating not just a team, but a movement.
As he himself put it: “Football is a long-term project. What we have achieved is immense after a colossal amount of work. A good coach looks to the future.”
For Tanzania, the future is brighter than ever.
