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Simba's new signing Onana needs to convince Robertinho

Simba’s newly-signed player Leandre Onana controls the ball during the past match. Onana has signed a two-year contract with Simba ahead of the next Tanzania Mainland Premier League season. PHOTO | COURTESY

By  The Citizen Reporter

Media/news company

Mwananchi Communications Limited

What you need to know:

  • Onana, who played for Rayon Sport in the just ended Rwanda Premier League,will have to convince Robertihno to be in the first choice against experienced Jean Baleke, Moses Phiri, John Bocco and Habib Kyombo


Dar es Salaam. Simba Sports Club new signing Leandre Willy Essomba Onana has to stretch his muscles in order to be in the starting line-up of Brazilian tactician Roberto Oliveira alias Robertihno, according to former U-17 national football team head coach Abel Mtweve.

Mtweve said the Cameroonian striker, who played for Rayon Sport in the just-ended Rwanda Premier League, will have to convince Robertihno to be in the first choice against experienced Jean Baleke, Moses Phiri, John Bocco and Habib Kyombo.

Simba’s striking force managed to score 75 goals in 30 matches to become the only team to have netted in the highest number of goals last season.

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Phiri and Bocco each scored 10 goals while Baleke netted in eight goals and Kyombo two goals. The team’s top scorer was Saido Ntibazonkiza who scored 17 goals.

The versatile striker Onana had successful two seasons with Rayon Sport and managed to be the league’s top scorer with 16 goals. Apart from Simba, Onana was also on the radars of various teams. Simba information officer Ahmed Ally was optimistic that Onana will cope with the team’s formation under Robertihno.

“Onana was one of the top strikers in the just-ended Rwanda’s Premier League, having received various awards. We normally recruit the best players, who will take the team to the next level of development including winning the next Mainland Tanzania Premier League title,” said Ally.

Besides Onana, he said the team will also recruit other top players with the aim of strengthening the squad.

“We did not win the mainland title for two consecutive seasons. We want to return to our best form and dominate the league. Our registration exercise also focuses on international competitions such as the African Champions League and the new African Super League. So, our members and supporters should expect positive results from our squad,” he said.

Meanwhile, Simba leave the country next Tuesday for Turkey for pre-season camp. Ally said all the players will travel and play three build up matches.

He said preparations for the trip are complete and they are now waiting for players who were on holiday to report in Dar es Salaam.

“Our officials are now in Turkey to prepare the camp. As I told you, we are very serious as our target to win all titles,” he said.

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