Emmanuel Muga BBC Sport, Dar-es-Salaam

Tanzania's Said Maulid is in a battle to establish his citizenship

A Tanzanian court has ruled that midfielder Said Maulid can resume his career with club and country, pending a final decision on his citizenship case.

The midfielder lost his Tanzanian nationality in July 2002, after the immigration department declared that he was a DR Congo citizen.

"Maulid's earlier national status can be preserved until the determination of the main case," ruled Justice Hamis Msumi of Tanzania's high court in Dar-es-Salaam.

I'm very relieved Said Maulid

Maulid, who insists that he is a Tanzanian, began legal proceedings when the immigration department ordered him to get a Congolese passport before he could continue his club career with Yanga SC.

"I know it is not over yet but I'm very relieved," a very happy Maulid told the BBC Sport website.

"During the proceedings I haven't been able to train and have been experiencing serious financial difficulties.

"But I am ready to work hard for my club and the Taifa Stars," he added.

Maulid was preparing for a career as a fisherman after he had been stopped from playing football but changed his mind after colleagues and friends persuaded him to take legal action.

Charles Boniface Mkwasa, the assistant manager of the national team, who also coached Said Maulid at Yanga SC, said the player has a strong chance of returning to international action.

"We are following him very closely. Once he regains his form, he will be included in the national team.