Mrisho Ngasa Azam`s most expensive striker Mrisho Ngasa is expected to board a Seattle bound flight on July 6 for a series of trials with the city’s top flight side of Sounders FC. Lance Lopes, the Seattle Sounders FC chairman who has been in Dar es Salaam for talent scouting, said Ngasa’s trials duration with the team will be limited to two weeks. During his trials, Ngasa is expected to play in a friendly tie for the North American side against visiting Manchester United on July 20. Lopes said he is happy to open the opportunities for Tanzanian players and Ngasa has been given the challenge to open the gate for others. He also said America want to work with a hand in glove cooperation to promote soccer in Tanzania through club level.
The Sounders official has expressed his sincere appreciation to have the opportunity in the entire process of talent identification for budding players in Tanzania. Besides soccer, the Sounders FC is also looking forward to extend cooperation in culture, tourism and investment where possible. Azam Football Club chairman Saidi Mohammed said his club has been pleased to release their player to search greener pastures in America. He thanked African Lyon club for facilitating the deal after keeping aside their rivalry in the Mainland premiership. Lyon has close cooperation with the Sounders club. Mohammed said this is a rare opportunity for Ngasa to exploit his football potentiality with a view of enhancing his personal career as well as flapping high the national flag overseas. The Azam chairman said his club has no grudges for players aspiring for career development overseas. “Ngassa will be the first Tanzanian soccer player to play against Manchester United which is a rare opportunity and something to be proud of. This is the key to unlock the doors of playing overseas, not only for him but also to the rest of the other players who are on standby at home,” said the Azam chairman. The Azam official said this might be the chance to open the gate for others as well should Ngasa succeed in the trials. The former Young Africans star, Ngasa, who has booked a permanent first choice line-up of the Tanzania national soccer team, Taifa Stars, had previously attended trials with London’s West Ham United before being demoted. African Lyon official Rahim Zamunda said his club picked up Ngasa for the trials basing on his superb performance. Zamunda said Lyon has been transparent and objective to pick up the player for the benefit of the nation.
For the last 20 years I have been working as a football pundit. This experience has provided me with a very useful insight into football and the opportunity to carry out extensive research into the game including its players, the stadiums, the rules and tactics and I have also been grateful to meet a wide range of people connected to football in the UK, Tanzania, Germany .....
