PATRICK Aussems has opened up on his decision to join Singida Black Stars as head coach ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The former Simba boss was officially unveiled to the Tanzanian press on Tuesday having arrived in the country the previous day.

The Belgian (pictured) has signed what is understood to be a two-year deal with the Singida-based club. He spoke after signing the contract.

“I am very happy to be here. Honestly, I see some faces that I have already seen a few years ago. So am I happy to see you again, that’s a good thing. You know that communication in football is very important.

“I am back in Tanzania in a different club, an ambitious club and that is the most important. I wanted to tell you that since I left I have been in South Africa and Kenya. “When I left Kenya last year, I decided to take a sabbatical for one year because sometimes you have priorities in life.

“I had some offers but I was not interested. When the boss called me, and I was already in touch with him for two years, he kept calling me and insisting. To be honest I was seduced by the project of the club.

“That’s why I am now here for Singida Black Stars because the boss is ambitious. I am ambitious, the staff are ambitious. We want Singida Black Stars to be a key club in the country.

“For example, in Europe when you are talking about Tanzania, people talk about Simba. Sometimes a little bit about Yanga as well. I would like in the next few years people would say in Tanzania there is Simba, Yanga and Singida Black Stars. That’s the target. It is a very interesting project that’s why I am here,” he said.