This archive report was first published on 16 December 2019.
On December 16, 2019, Zanzibar head coach Suleiman 'Morocco' Hemedi expressed regret over the team's exit from the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup at the group stage, citing a lack of competitions as the main reason.
The team's performance in the 2019 CECAFA tournament was disappointing, with a 1-1 draw against Sudan and losses to Tanzania and Kenya by 1-0 margins in both matches.
Coach Hemedi lamented the team's situation, saying, 'I'm not ashamed but I feel we are a team that can do better, far much better. We have given the teams we have played a run for their money, teams that are playing every time in CAF, FIFA and Olympics competitions.'
He also expressed his disappointment over the CAF's decision to omit Zanzibar's membership in 2017, just a year after their inclusion, which he believes has hindered the team's progress.
CECAFA Secretary General Nicholas Musonye acknowledged the team's spirit, but noted that the issue of their CAF membership is beyond the zonal football body's control.
