Football
Andrew Oryada, Special to ESPN 6y

Tanzania's Amunike excited to work with in-form Mbwana Samatta

New Tanzania coach Emmanuel Amunike is excited to work with striker Mbwana Samatta ahead of the Taifa Stars' 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away in Uganda.

The forward is in fine form heading into the qualifier, having netted a hat-trick last week as Genk beat Denmark's Brondby 5-2 in a UEFA Europa League qualifier in Belgium.

"As a national coach, it is always good to see your players shining at their respective clubs," Amunike told KweséESPN. "I am very happy that Samatta is in good form.

"[His hat-trick was] very good, and my hope is that Samatta carries the good form back when we travel for a tricky game against Uganda," added the Nigeria great.

"Samatta's good form and motivation will easily rub off on the other players on the team, and this could prove key for us."

Tanzania may have their work cut out when they face Sebastien Desabre's Uganda, who currently lead Group L after defeating Cape Verde 1-0 in their group opener last year.

"When we have our big players doing very well in their respective clubs, it will always encourage those playing at home," Amunike proceeded.

"When he comes, he will bring in his experience, his ideas, and his motivation, which the other players will have to complement.

"We shall work hard to make sure we get the goals. In football it is always good to score, but also be disciplined in other departments," the coach added. "We need to do a holistic assessment of what we have so that we are able to use it well.

"This is the Tanzania national team, and everybody must be part of this project.

"If we make it to the AFCON then it will give us a good step to build and be able to compete with teams in West and North Africa."

Tanzania were held 1-1 by Lesotho in their group opener.

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