WORLD soccer governing body FIFA officials have paid tribute to the outgoing Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) President, Leodegar Tenga for building a strong football institution, saying he will remain as a shining example in Africa.

This was said by a visiting FIFA Regional Development Officer, Ashford Mamelodi, who hailed Tenga's style of administration and has managed to restore stability in the country's football compared to the situation in the past. "I am very much aware of the football politics in Tanzania but FIFA is pleased with the current situation.

There has been tranquility and stability during the eight year's of Tenga leadership, which should be maintained at all cost," he said. Mamelodi who jetted into the country on Friday, refused to comment on the federations' elections wrangles, insisting that the country should remain calm and wait for the decision that would be made by FIFA mission, which is set to come in the country mid next month to access the situation.

However, he was optimistic that since the issue was at FIFA hands the matter will be solved amicably. Mamelodi is in the country to inspect projects funded by FIFA under the Goal Project development programme as well as to introduce his assistant Patrick Onyango.

He said they have four programmes under the current project, which include the artificial turf at the historic Nyamagana Stadium in Mwanza. The Mwanza City Council (MCC) was awarded the project worth 900m/- in which, FIFA will disburse 700m/- for the project, while MCC agreed to cover the deficit of 200m/- towards facilitation of the project.

Other projects include annual Copa-Coca Cola youth tournament and beach soccer, saying they want to see into it that this year beach soccer tournament is played in the country. Tenga said he was happy to leave a legacy by making TFF a strong institution, challenging his successors to ensure that they maintain the status and improve it for the better.

The FIFA Goal Project is aimed at bridging the gap between the developed and advanced European countries, and the under developed nations in Africa, Asia and South America, to bring parity. About 35 African countries, affiliated to FIFA have benefited from the Fund, although some are yet to qualify due to the stringent qualification marks set by FIFA.