Dar Es Salaam — The national women's soccer team, Twiga Stars has stepped up training, ahead of the African Women Championship finals in South Africa from October 29 to November 14, this year.

Twiga Stars coach, Charles Boniface Mkwasa told the 'Daily News' on Wednesday that all players moved into residential camp at Itumbi Hotel in the city on Tuesday with a positive frame of mind ready for the championship.

The Confederation of African football, CAF, posted an announcement on their website yesterday on the new dates from early October 3, as the local ladies kicks-off the final lap of preparations on a sound note.

Mkwasa said 24-players moved into residential camp after two weeks off- camp. This is the final round of their preparations before making it for the finals in which it is the maiden appearance for Twiga Stars.

"We're going on well with our second phase training programme after the first phase which took us to South Africa and US. The players are in a spirited mood. Only Helena Peter, who is suffering from malaria," he said.

The players did a series of gym work during the off training camp so as to improve their physique, something that Mkwasa said was amiss during the training tour, as Twiga Stars opponents were fast and strong compared to the local ladies.

Mkwasa said he plans to play four friendly matches against South Africa's Banyana Banyana and Zimbabwe as well as national Under-20 and 17 men soccer teams as part of their build-ups ahead of the continental championship.

South Africa expressed interest to provide opposition for Twiga Stars and they were ready to foot their own bill to play in Dar es Salaam. Zimbabwe had submitted a request to play the Tanzanian outfit in a friendly.

Players in camp are Sophia Mwasikili, Fatuma Jawadu, Mwanaidi Tamba, Fatuma Makusanya, Mwajuma Abdallah, Asha Rashid, Mwanahamisi Ishuruwa, Pulkeria Charaji, Esther Chabruma, Hellen Tolla, Fridian Daudi, Zena Rashidi, Ettoe Mlenzi and Mary Masatu.

Others are Fatuma Salum, Maimuna Mkane, Fadhila Kigalawa, Neema Kuga, Mwasiti Ramadhani, Zuhura Kabulule, Mariam Azizi, Fatuma Mustapha and Evelin Senkubo.