NAMUNGO FC's versatile player Erasto Nyoni has called upon young players to have dedication and invest in their health for them to prosper in the game for many years.

The 35-year-old now with Namungo FC made his debut for Tanzania in 2006, clinching 106 caps for Taifa Stars, scoring six goals including the winning penalty that sent Tanzania to the 2019 AFCON after commanding a 3-0 win against Uganda.

Nyoni who has enjoyed international football- played one season with Vital'O of Burundi in 2009 before returning to Tanzania to join Azam FC from 2010-2017. 

The midfielder thereafter joined Simba SC and enjoyed local success including winning four consecutive Premier League titles from 2017/2018 to 2020/21 season.

The Arusha's Rolling Stone Academy graduate says playing at the top level for many years, the way he has done, requires ultimate sacrifice and discipline while being open to learning the game.

The footballer noted: "Many young players fail to stay in the game for a long time due to lack of discipline and media trends that cover the particular player so much, leading to such a player losing his head instead of training hard and ignoring what is said outside."

"To love the game is key, following the coaches’ programs during training, having personal training that will keep a player fit all the time, having proper diet and resting the body whenever necessary."

"I can play many positions on the field, something that has set me apart from many players because I am open to learning about the game that has faced so much revolution in recent years, young players should understand this."

"The talents are there, if they put their energy into the game with topnotch discipline they will be praised for many years to come like the foreign players that have made their mark and name for themselves," Nyoni- who is the most capped player in Tanzania's national team- noted.

Commenting on Namungo FC's recent form- which had witnessed the outfit securing one win, one draw, and succumbing to three losses, Nyoni said they have used their international break in a good manner to turn their season around in the last nine NBC Premier League games.

"We are just three points away from relegation, we understand the magnitude of the remaining games and what to do to survive and remain in the top-flight football,”

“We have tough games against Simba and Azam FC we need to win those games to secure our spot in the league next season," the midfielder pointed out.

"Games will be tough because every team has its ambitions in these remaining games of the season, we have to have a strong mentality and stick to our tactics and win our games," Nyoni insisted.