‘Zizou,’ Figo coming for special duel

Zidane, now an assistant coach at Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti, will be one of the major attractions when the Real legends go head-to-head with Tanzania X1 in Dar on August 23.

Dar es Salaam. Zinedine Zidane is among 25 former Real Madrid players expected to fly into the country next week for a special friendly match against Tanzania XI, it has been revealed.

Zidane, now an assistant coach at Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti, will be one of the major attractions when the Real legends go head-to-head with Tanzania X1 at the National Stadium on August 23.

The eagerly awaited match, the first of its kind in the country, has been organised by Tanzania Sisi Nyumbani (TSN).

In an interview with The Citizen yesterday, the TSN official, Dennis Ssebo, assured soccer fans that preparations and logistics for the match were on course.

Ssebo said the former Real players’ tour has been jointly sponsored by Vodacom Tanzania, Fast Jet, Tropical and Lake Gas.

“Soccer fans should expect a major treat next week. Zidane and his colleagues are expected in the country on August 22 for the match,” he said.

The Madrid squad is expected to visit various tourist sites, including Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Mount Kilimanjaro.

“I am optimistic Tanzania X1 players will learn a few things from the former Real Madrid stars during the match.

“This visit will go a long way in supplementing Tanzania’s efforts in promoting the country as a tourist destination.

“It (the tour) will even be reported and aired on several international media channels so Tanzania will get quite a lot of publicity come August,” Ssebo added.

Zidane won the FIFA World Player of the Year three times, a feat achieved only by Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, and the Ballon d’Or once. He received the Golden Ball at the 2006 World Cup

Former Spanish team captain Ruben de La Red reportedly believes the trip will be a good opportunity to market tourism in Tanzania and also improve football in the country
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