Tanzania national team head coach Miguel Gamondi has paid a glowing tribute to African football, describing the continent as the bedrock of his long and fulfilling coaching career—one that stretches back more than 25 years.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of Tanzania’s second TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Group C encounter against Uganda in Rabat, the Argentine tactician reflected emotionally on Africa’s enduring influence on his professional journey.

“For me it’s a special pleasure to be in Morocco. Africa is one place that has really contributed richly to my coaching career. I have spent more than 25 years coaching in Africa and to this day, I will always be an advocate for African football”, said Gamondi.

Gamondi’s relationship with African football dates back to the year 2000, when he began a journey as an Assistant Coach at Al Ahli Tripoli in Libya in a chapter that would see him work across different football cultures, environments, and competitive leagues on the continent.

The Argentine’s African football journey includes coaching at giant African clubs such as Wydad AC, Esperance Sportive de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns, CR Belouizdad, USM Alger, Young Africans and now the Tafia Stars.

Over the years, he has built a reputation not only as a technically astute coach, but also as one deeply immersed in and respectful of the African game.

His experiences, he says, have shaped his philosophy and strengthened his belief in Africa’s immense footballing potential—belief he continues to defend passionately.

“I hear sometimes people speak negatively about African football and I am always the first to defend it,” Gamondi added. “Because I know the talent that is here and I know the potential that African football has.”

Now leading Tanzania on one of Africa’s biggest football stages, Gamondi views his current role not just as a professional assignment, but as a continuation of a long-standing bond with the continent.

“I really cannot express my gratitude to this continent,” he concluded. “And that is why it is such a great honour and pleasure to coach here.”

Gamondi’s next crucial assignment will be working a miracle to guide Tanzania to the knockout stages of the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025.

The East Africans suffered a 2-1 loss in their opener against Nigeria before sharing the spoils with neighbours, Uganda in a 1-1 draw. Up next for Gamondi’s side is a must win clash against Tunisia on Tuesday.

Source: CAF