Simba test new players against Egypt’s second division side El Qanah

Dar es Salaam. Mainland giants, Simba, will today, July 22, 2024, play their first international friendly match against Egypt's second division side, El Qanah, in the team’s training camp in Ismailia.

The match, scheduled to start at 5:30pm, will be used to test Simba’s players ahead of the next Tanzania Mainland League season.

It will also be an opportunity for Simba’s new head coach, Fadlu Davids, to observe the team after two weeks of training before the start of the new season.

Simba have bolstered their squad significantly with various new signings ahead of the upcoming season.

These include:  Joshua Mutale from Power Dynamos of Zambia, Steven Dese Mukwala (Asante Kotoko, Ghana), Jean Charles Ahoua (Stella Club Adjame, Ivory Coast), Abdulrazack Mohamed Hamza (SuperSport United, South Africa) and Valentino Mashaka from Geita Gold FC.

Others are  Augustine Okejepha (Rivers United FC, Nigeria), Debora Fernandes Mavambo (Mutondo Stars FC, Zambia), Omary Abdallah Omary (Mashujaa FC), Valentino Nouma (FC Saint Eloi Lupopo, DR Congo), Chamou Karaboue (Racing Club d’Abidjan, Ivory Coast), Awesu Awesu (KMC),  Yusuph Kagoma and Kelvin Kijili who are from Fountain Gate FC.

“It is part of our preparations for the new league season, and I will use it to gauge the skills of all players before the season starts. I believe I will strengthen the players' skills and rectify all mistakes before we embark on the league season,” said Fadlu.

Fadlu also expressed pride in his squad's competitive nature, which gives him confidence for the upcoming season, despite it being his first time coaching in the Tanzanian Premier League.

He mentioned that he has observed the individual abilities of players and has begun giving them tactical and technical training to form a team capable of performing well in various competitions.

“The competition among the players is tough. Every player is dedicated, and I have managed to see individual abilities, which is important because I know how to utilize them. What I’m doing now is tactical and technical training to form a team capable of achieving results in various competitions.”

The coach said it is his job to ensure every player performs well and enjoys representing the club successfully.

“It is my job to ensure every player shines in their position, which is why I guide each one in their role and how to perform their duties. We will continue to see them in various matches we will play here, which could be three,” said the former assistant coach of Morocco’s Raja Club Athletic.

Additionally, Simba’s goalkeeper Hussein Abel said the new signings and the tactics given in the camp in Egypt make him believe that next season will be Simba’s turn to bring smiles to the fans after missing out on the Premier League and Federation Cup titles for three consecutive seasons.

Abel said what gives him confidence is the great talent he sees in the training camp in Egypt.

“Simba has signed talented young players, whom I believe will surprise many once the league starts, so our fans should get ready to enjoy the entertainment from their players. The competition is high, and every player is fighting to convince the coach for a spot in the first team, which increases individual player capabilities.”

Simba has goalkeepers Ayoub Lakred, Ally Salim, and Aishi Manula, who has not yet reported to camp. Abel said he is not pressured or afraid of competition because the coach will decide who gets the chance.

The presence of Simba’s new technical bench, under head coach Fadlu, gives Abel the confidence that doors are open for everyone who shows their capability.

“The beauty of pre-season preparation is that every player has a chance to show their influence. The coach is new and has his own eye for seeing who will be useful in various upcoming competition matches,” he said.