The 59-year-old Argentine took Taifa Stars to Morocco for the 35th edition, where the East Africans wrote history by reaching their first-ever knockout stages for the first time since their first participation 45 years ago.
The signing ceremony took place on Monday, February 16th, at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The event was attended by the Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, the President of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), Wallace Karia, and the Government Chief Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa.
Makonda categorically stated that the government’s decision was based on the remarkable performance shown by Gamondi after guiding Taifa Stars to the AFCON Round of 16, marking the first time Tanzania has reached that stage in AFCON history, despite his serving as an interim coach.
He added the government had decided to appoint Gamondi permanently to lead Taifa Stars in preparations for and participation in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Tanzania will co-host alongside Kenya and Uganda.
The 36th edition of the African tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is scheduled to be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from June 19th to July 18th.
Gamondi tasked for 2027 AFCON
“The government has now decided to officially hire him to lead the team in its efforts to win the AFCON 2027 championship, where Tanzania will host the tournament,” Makonda told reporters in Tanzania.
“Despite going to AFCON as an interim coach, Gamondi showed he was determined to win with Taifa Stars. We have agreed in unison that he is the right man to take Tanzania forward, and he will be given ample time to prepare Taifa Stars for the 2027 AFCON.”
Speaking after signing the deal, Gamondi said: “It’s my responsibility to ensure the team is doing well and bringing glory to Tanzania and fans to enjoy. I’m ready to do that job.”
Gamondi added: “This is a huge responsibility, but I am ready for it. With unity and strong cooperation from all football stakeholders, I am confident we can deliver results that will make Tanzanians proud.”
Tanzania’s journey in the 2025 AFCON ended after losing 1-0 against hosts Morocco in the Round of 16. Their first group fixture saw Taifa Stars suffer a 2-1 defeat against Nigeria, before they drew 1-1 against neighbours Uganda in matchday two.
The East African nation later faced Tunisia, whom they forced to a 1-1 draw. Tanzania had been trying since 1980 to advance beyond the group stage and had yet to win in 12 matches spanning four appearances. They squeezed into the Round of 16 after two draws and one loss.
Tunisia finished second in Group C with four points, five less than table-leaders Nigeria. Tanzania pipped Angola on goals scored for one of the four places reserved for third-placed teams.
Gamondi guided Yanga to league titles
Gamondi is not new to Tanzanian football. He arrived in Tanzania to take charge of Mainland Premier League champions Young Africans. While at Yanga, Gamondi managed 40 league matches, won 34, drew two games and suffered four defeats.
He led Young Africans to unprecedented success in recent years, including breaking a 25-year drought by reaching the CAF Champions League group stage and advancing to the quarterfinals.
Gamondi further guided them to the Premier League title, the Federation Cup, and the Community Shield, while also delivering unforgettable victories against both domestic and continental rivals.
After leaving Young Africans, Gamondi signed to handle Singida Black Stars, a top side in the Tanzanian league. At Singida, he guided them to their first-ever CECAFA Kagame Cup trophy after defeating Al Hilal of Sudan 2-1 in the final. He also helped the side to reach the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in their history.
Born in Olavarria, Gamondi played for local club Ferrocarril Sud and managed several clubs in Argentina, including Ferro Carril Sud, Racing, El Fortín, San Martín de Tucumán and Racing Club de Avellaneda.
In 2000, he moved to Africa to join Oscar Fulloné as an assistant coach to the Libyan side Al Ahly.
He became assistant coach to Fulloné in the Burkina Faso national football team in December 2001 and later became assistant coach at ASEC Mimosas, Wydad Casablanca, Espérance Sportive de Tunis, and Étoile du Sahel.
In February 2025, he was appointed manager of Al Nasr of Libya, but his contract was terminated after five matches.
