Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko set for Tanzania minutes

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko is expected to play for Tanzania during the current FIFA dates, despite making only one start for his club since joining at the beginning of the season.

Bitegeko has been called up by Tanzania coach Pablo Franco Gamondi, the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach, for the Taifa Stars’ upcoming Group L fixtures.

Tanzania face Guinea-Bissau in Zanzibar on Friday before travelling to play Madagascar on September 29. Nigeria are also in the group.

Although Tanzania have already secured their place at next year’s finals as one of the three co-hosts, alongside Kenya and Uganda, Gamondi has underlined the importance of continuing to build a winning mentality.

That approach means the matches against Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar remain significant, with the coach using the international window to prepare his squad and maintain momentum before the tournament is staged on home soil.

Bitegeko expected to feature

Bitegeko has played 189 minutes for Kaizer Chiefs this season following his two-year move from Azam FC. The 27-year-old has started only once, but his limited club involvement has not prevented Gamondi from planning to use him for Tanzania.

Gamondi has previous experience of football in the Premier Soccer League, having worked at Mamelodi Sundowns and Platinum Stars. That familiarity has helped him assess Bitegeko’s situation, with the midfielder still expected to receive playing time during the current camp.

The call-up also comes after a demanding travel schedule for Bitegeko. He represented Kaizer Chiefs in Mbombela on Sunday, returned to Johannesburg on Monday and then continued his journey to Tanzania.

He is due to complete his first full training session with the Taifa Stars on Wednesday and is expected to be involved against Guinea-Bissau on Friday, according to information from the camp in Dar es Salaam.

Bitegeko is one of 14 foreign-based players included in Tanzania’s squad as Gamondi seeks to develop the team ahead of next year’s finals.

The midfielder joined Kaizer Chiefs from Azam FC at the start of the season, but his opportunities at club level have so far been restricted. The international fixtures will therefore provide him with the chance to gain match minutes while contributing to Tanzania’s preparations for the tournament.