Injuries, suspensions rock Simba

DAR ES SALAAM: SIMBA Head Coach Steve Barker has warned that his side face a difficult test against Singida Black Stars at Airtel Stadium tomorrow, with several players set to miss the match through suspension and injuries.

Barker briefed the Press after Simba beat Pamba Jiji FC 2-1 in a Mainland Premier League match at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza on Wednesday.

“We have to prepare well for Singida Black Stars. The game will be very difficult because we have several players who will be absent due to suspensions and injuries,” Barker said.

Among the players set to miss the match are David Kameta and Ibrahim Jabaar, who are suspended after receiving straight red cards.

Those ruled out through injuries include Mahamadou Kassali, Yusuf Kagoma and Neo Maema. The South African coach said Simba must beat strong opponents such as Singida if they are to challenge at the top of the league.

“If you want to be high and stay at the top of the league, you must win against a team like Singida. That is the way to get important points and continue to be in a good position,” he said.

Barker said Simba were familiar with Singida, having faced them recently in the CECAFA competition in Kigali, Rwanda.

“They have registered good players and have a good team, so we know for sure that we are going to meet a capable opponent,” he said.

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Simba will be looking to build on victory over Pamba that Barker described as an important result at a difficult venue.

“We are very happy to get three points here at CCM Kirumba. It is not an easy place to come and get a win. The last time we played here we drew, so this victory is important for us,” he said.

Simba controlled much of the first half, but Barker said the game became more difficult after Pamba were awarded a penalty in the second half.

“The second half was not as we expected. The penalty given to the opponents made the result 2-1, so the game became more difficult,” h e said.

Despite the pressure , Barker praised his players for holding on to secure the three points.

“Our goal is to get a lot of points in these games. We want to win our games and that will give us a good chance. This is a good start for us and we have to continue to build from here,” he said.

Pamba Jiji Coach, Francis Baraza, said his side’s mistakes allowed Simba to score early and affected the players ’ confidence.