Zanzibar, January 30 2026 — Nairobi United arrived in Zanzibar at dawn and wasted no time turning the island into a rehearsal stage for the battles ahead. Head coach Salim Ali says the squad’s first session was charged with energy and purpose, and he’s banking on that momentum to fuel a string of decisive performances this weekend as they prepare to face Azam FC in a CAF Confederation Cup tie.
Arrival and First Impressions
The team landed early from Nairobi and immediately hit the training pitch. Salim Ali described the opening session as well‑prepared and highly motivated, a tone he expects to carry into matches on Friday and Saturday. With the sun and humidity part of the equation, the technical staff have staged training to mimic match conditions so players can adapt quickly to Zanzibar’s climate.
Training Like Match Days
Ali explained that practice has been structured as if it were match day — a deliberate move to acclimatise the squad to heat, tempo, and pressure. The aim is simple: make the environment familiar so the players can perform instinctively when the whistle blows. “The mood is good,” Ali said, praising the players’ focus and readiness to give everything on the pitch.
Self-Motivation and Team Belief
What excites Ali most is the squad’s internal drive. He lauded the players for being self‑motivated and clear about their roles in Zanzibar, calling that belief “the beauty of the team.” That internal discipline, he argues, is a major advantage for the technical bench and a sign that Nairobi United can deliver a strong showing. Ali is confident the team will produce a “firecracker” performance when it matters.
Drawing Strength from History
Ali also pointed to recent results as proof of the team’s resilience. Nairobi United’s two‑goal display against Nakaway and their gritty away performance at A 12, where they advanced via penalties despite having two goals ruled out, have bolstered the squad’s confidence. Those moments, he says, show that the team can thrive on the road and handle adversity.
Eyes on Sunday
Looking ahead, Ali believes the players will push beyond the ordinary. He expects them to give more than 100 per cent — a promise of intensity and commitment as Nairobi United chases another crucial result this Sunday. With preparation, belief, and a squad tuned to the conditions, Salim Ali is betting Zanzibar will be the stage where his team’s hard work pays off.
