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Simba SC to camp in Egypt for four weeks, set to play friendly matches

Simba players arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) Terminal 3, ready to depart for Ismailia, Egypt, for pre-season training. PHOTO |  COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • The first batch of players and staff, who departed in phases, included head coach Fadlu Davids, members of the technical bench

Dar es Salaam. Simba SC have officially launched their quest to reclaim dominance in the upcoming 2025/26 season by kicking off a high-intensity four-week pre-season training camp in Ismailia, Egypt.

The camp, which commenced on Wednesday, is seen as a pivotal step in what club officials and supporters hope will be a transformational season for the Tanzanian football giants.

The first batch of players and staff, who departed in phases, included head coach Fadlu Davids, members of the technical team, and several key first-team players.

Among them were last season’s top scorer Joshua Mutale, Charles Jean Ahoua, Ladack Chasambi, Chamou Karabou, Steven Mukwala, Awesu Awesu, Hussein Abel, Leonel Ateba, and newly-signed South African defender Rushine De Reuck.

Additional players are expected to depart today, including striker Jonathan Sowah and midfielder Alassane Kante, who missed the initial flight due to incomplete travel documentation, according to Simba’s Media and Communication Manager, Ahmed Ally.

 “We’ve travelled with 18 players along with the full technical bench. All remaining players—except those currently on national team duty with Taifa Stars—will join the camp soon,” said Ally.

He added that the team had already undergone a week of foundational training in Dar es Salaam and are now entering the most critical stage of pre-season preparation.

“This camp in Egypt marks a turning point.

 It’s four weeks of focused and intensive work, leading up to Simba Day and the final phase before the season kicks off,” he said. Head coach Fadlu Davids emphasized that the Egypt camp provides a crucial platform to integrate new signings, fine-tune tactics, and build both physical endurance and mental resilience.

“We have 28 days to blend the squad, strengthen the players physically and mentally, and implement our tactical framework,” said Davids.  “This camp is about building a cohesive structure, instilling a winning mentality, and preparing for every challenge that lies ahead.”

He also confirmed that the program includes competitive friendly matches, designed to evaluate progress and sharpen match readiness.

“We’ll use this period to test different combinations, reinforce team chemistry, and introduce fresh tactical approaches.

It’s a comprehensive build-up to ensure we return stronger—domestically and in continental competitions,” he added.

Simba SC have a history of productive international pre-season camps, and Egypt remains a favored destination due to its facilities and competitive environment. This year, the club is doubling down on its proven formula, aiming for a strong comeback after a disappointing season that ended without silverware.

The club’s team coordinator, Abbas Ally, travelled ahead of the group to oversee logistics and prepare a rigorous training schedule.

The program includes daily morning fitness drills to boost stamina, evening technical sessions to refine individual skills, and tactical workshops to enhance football intelligence and decision-making.

The holistic regimen is designed to simulate competitive match conditions and maximize player performance ahead of the new campaign.

To further elevate their readiness, Simba have arranged four to five friendly matches against top-tier Egyptian Premier League sides.

These games will offer crucial tests, especially for new signings looking to stake their claim in the starting lineup.  As anticipation builds among fans, Simba SC’s Egyptian camp is shaping up to be a decisive foundation for what could be a resurgent 2025/26 season.