Simba in major squad overhauls ahead of new season

Dar es Salaam. Simba SC is quietly reshaping its roster for the upcoming season, with significant changes underway following its lackluster performance in the past three seasons.

Information obtained by The Citizen point to the fact that the club will retain only three of its 12 foreign stars who featured prominently last season.

Among those set to stay is Aubrin Kramo, who missed the entire previous season due to a long-term injury but is now fully recovered and eager to make his mark.

In addition to the changes in foreign recruits, Simba SC has initiated a shake-up among local players.

Club captain John Bocco, Kennedy Juma and Shaban Chilunda are among those who will continue with the team, with Shomari Kapombe securing an additional year. Meanwhile, Abdallah Hamis and Jimmson Mwanuke, currently on loan at Mtibwa Sugar, are expected to bid farewell, insiders say.

The club's restructuring highlights a deliberate effort by leadership to rebuild the squad, acknowledging the need for a fresh start as they bid farewell to key contributors from previous successful campaigns.

Having finished third in the Premier League last season, Simba SC has already announced the departure of three foreign players: Saidi Ntibazonkiza 'Saido', Luis Miquissone, and Henock Inonga. Inonga has moved to FAR Rabat in Morocco.

Further changes are anticipated, with long-serving Clatous Chama and others reportedly on the verge of leaving the club to make way for new signings from various corners of the globe.

Remaining international stalwarts like Kramo, Ayoub Lakred, Fabrice Ngoma, and Che Malone Fondoh are expected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming season.

Sources within Simba SC have confirmed that midfielder Sadio Kanoute has opted not to renew his contract and is poised to depart. The club is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Augustine Okejepha from Nigeria's Rivers United to fill the void left by Kanoute.

The club insider commented, "Kanoute's contract has expired, and he has expressed his intention to move on. We are actively pursuing options to bolster our midfield, and announcements regarding these moves are imminent."

Golden days

Since 2017, Simba has been on a mission to excel both domestically and internationally, achieving significant success over the past four seasons.

The squad dominated the Tanzanian Premier League, securing the title four consecutive times from 2017-2018 to 2020-2021, before their arch-rivals Yanga responded with three successive titles from 2021-2022 to 2023-2024.

In addition to their domestic dominance, Simba has made an impact in Africa, reaching the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup five times in the last six seasons.

They reached the Champions League quarter-finals in 2018-2019, 2020-2021, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024, while also competing in the Confederation Cup in 2021-2022.

Key players who contributed to these achievements include Mohamed Hussein 'Tshabalala', Mzamiru Yassin, and Aishi Manula, who are nearing the end of their tenure with the club.

Clatous Chama and Luis Miquissone were pivotal in Simba's success, with Chama notably scoring the decisive goal on March 16, 2019, as Simba defeated AS Vita 2-1 to reach their first Champions League quarter-final. Luis made a significant impact with a stunning goal against Al Ahly in the Champions League, securing a 1-0 victory at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Their departures present a significant challenge for those set to inherit their roles, tasked with guiding Simba towards even greater achievements. Currently, the club aims to reach the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League, setting ambitious targets for the future.

New recruits

Simba SC is undergoing a significant squad overhaul, bidding farewell to key players while welcoming new faces ahead of the upcoming season.

Among the arrivals, Joshua Mutale has reportedly signed a two-year deal as an attacking midfielder. Also joining the ranks is Omary Abdallah Omary, an attacking midfielder from Mashujaa.

In defense, Simba has secured Nathan Idumba Fasika on loan from Valerenga in Norway, previously with Cape Town City in South Africa. However, complications have arisen regarding the signings of Yusufu Kagoma, a defensive midfielder from Singida Fountain Gate, and Lameck Lawi, initially introduced from Coastal Union.

Former Simba goalkeeper Steven Nemes supports the club's decisions, noting the need for change after two underwhelming seasons.

He contrasted Simba's approach with that of Yanga, highlighting Yanga's stability and success following minimal changes after a rebuilding phase.

Meanwhile, Simba's stars have been summoned by Chairman Mohammed Dewji 'Mo Dewji' to convene in Dar es Salaam by June 27. Over five players have confirmed receiving the call, preparing for further instructions upon their arrival.

While players withheld their identities, they emphasized the importance of the gathering and hinted at plans for an upcoming external training camp.

Simba SC is poised for transformation as they navigate these changes, aiming to strengthen their competitiveness both domestically and on the continent.