Tume ya Katiba
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- Apr 6, 2012
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Sao Paulo - PRESIDENT Jakaya Kikwete on Monday paid a scintillating tribute to the former national soccer team head coach, Brazilian Marcio Maximo for his service as the national team coach.
The President who is in an official tour of Brazil met Maximo, who paid him a visit at the Tivoli Hotel here and the two had a brief chat. President Kikwete said it was during Maximo's era that the country raised its bar in world soccer circles, saying such status would only be maintained if the country's clubs invest in youth.
During the meeting, Maximo challenged the football clubs in Tanzania to set up youth teams starting with under the age of eight years, if the country is to have in place the best national teams. Maximo said most of the best performing national teams in the world are those which have invested heavily in youth development programmes.
The tactician also presented to the head of state a jersey of - Democrata--the club he is currently coaching. The outspoken Brazilian also thanked President Kikwete for his support during his four year term as the Taifa Stars coach. It is widely remembered that during his time as Stars' coach Maximo enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere with the state.
He was often defended by the President when critics pointed fingers at him for the national team's failure to meet fans' expectations. President Kikwete once said the Brazilian tactician has worked above the call of duty to transform the team since he took charge.
He reminded the critics that when the Brazilian took charge of the national team the country was trailing 167 on FIFA ranking, but succeeded to take the country up to 97th position. Stars which is currently under the Dane coach Jan Poulsen has slumped down to 145th on FIFA rankings. In another development, Maximo has denied rumours that he was considering retaking Taifa Stars charges.
He said neither does he consider taking up Azam FC nor Young Africans jobs. "Apparently I've never been contacted by the TFF, Azam or Yanga to take over any of the mentioned jobs... I've a valid contract with my current club, which I duly respect and to say the least I'm happy here," said Maximo.
He added; "Taifa Stars has the best coach and I envy him and I also support his training skills, and I believe he will help promote the Tanzania soccer." Maximo, however, admitted that he still has contacts with many sports fans in Tanzania, adding that the East African nation is his second country and he will always be a good ambassador of Tanzania
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