Simba SC part ways with coach
Simba players attend a training session in Dar es Salaam under close supervision of head coach Goran Kopunovic (third right). The Serbian tactician was relieved of his duties yesterday. PHOTO/FILE
What you need to know:
Kopunovic, who joined Simba six months ago, was officially relieved of his duties yesterday, a few days after guiding the Msimbazi Street team to the third position in the Mainland Premier League.
Dar es Salaam. Mainland giants Simba have parted ways with their Serbian coach Goran Kopunovic, it has been revealed.
Kopunovic, who joined Simba six months ago, was officially relieved of his duties yesterday, a few days after guiding the Msimbazi Street team to the third position in the Mainland Premier League.
“He (Kopunovic) is a good coach and we are thankful for all the contributions he has made to our club. However, at this time, we feel we need a fresh face and voice moving forward to lead our team,” Simba official Zacharia Hanspoppe said yesterday.
Hanspoppe, the club’s registration committee chairman, added: “We wish him the very best as he moves on in his coaching career.” Kopunovic was named Simba’s head coach six month ago, replacing Zambian Patrick Phiri, who was fired after seven or so months in charge of the Msimbazi Reds.
Hanspoppe said they were forced to sack Kopunopvic following his demands that they (Simba) must pay him $50,000 (approximately Sh100m) before renewing his contract.
He said team would now be under the tutelage of assistant coach Seleman Matola. “If all goes well, we will name a new head coach for our club later this month,” he said.
Meanwhile, plans are afoot for Young Africans to recruit two attacking midfielders ahead of next year’s Africa Champions League.
“We need two experienced attacking midfielders to reinforce our team ahead of the Champions League and next season’s Mainland Premier League,” the club’s head coach, Hans Van Pluijm, said yesterday.
Pluijm, now in Ghana for vacation, added: “We need players whom you know can produce something special even when things are not going your way.” The Mainland champions Yanga are among teams expected to compete in this year’s East and Central Africa club championship scheduled for July 11-August 2 in Dar es Salaam.
Azam FC and Zanzibar’s KMKM are the other Tanzania’s representatives in the championship popularly known as Cecafa Kagame Cup.
Cecafa Kagame Cup reigning champions Al Hilal will represent Sudan while APR will represent Rwanda.
