TAIFA Stars interim head coach Hemed ‘Morocco’ Suleiman believes young players must be trusted by giving them more playing chances if they are to reach the top level.

A youthful experimental Taifa Stars side lost 2-1 to Sudan in an international friendly game at King Fahd Stadium played on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia.

The team was dominated by young and fringe players as well as a few foreign-based ones who are not getting enough playing time in their respective clubs.

However, coach Morocco was impressed with the battling quality shown by his youthful side, and feels the young players have an exciting future ahead of them.

“It was not easy. Even though we lost the match, I congratulate my players because they showed fighting spirit. We made mistakes and lost chances, but I find comfort that the players have showcased their abilities.

“The important thing is to encourage them and go back to the training ground to try to fix what was seen in today's game. I believe in the next game we can play well and get a good result,” he said.

Morocco continued: “I didn't want to focus on the result even though football isn't like that. I wanted to look at the players we have and who can help the team in the future.

“It is very comforting to see the type of players we have here, they have been able to show the level that I expected according to their age. I would like to see that we support and give them chances as much as possible. I believe that our dreams of excelling will come true.”

According to the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) statement, Taifa Stars will play Sudan in a rematch this weekend before the players return to their respective clubs to complete the 2023/24 campaign.