TANZANIA, July 4 -- TWIGA Stars, as you prepare for your opening match against Mali on Monday, let the recent defeat to Morocco in a friendly not discourage you. Instead, see it for what it truly is a lesson.

A chance to recognise what needs improvement, to fill the gaps and to step forward with greater purpose. Sometimes, it is in defeat that we learn the most. This year marks Tanzanias second appearance at the Womens Africa Cup of Nations a return after 15 long years since 2010. That was then. This is now. And this is your moment.

Back in 2010, Twiga exited at the group stage. The experience was valuable, though the result reminded us how far you still had to go. Now, you return better prepared, more united and with the hunger to make...