DAR ES SALAAM: The management of Simba SC has appointed Juma Mgunda as a caretaker coach following mutual contract termination with Algerian tactician Abdelhak Benchikha and his assistants.
A statement shared on the club’s social media outlets including X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram reveals that Mgunda will be assisted by Selemani Matola until further decision from the Board of Directors.
It further stated that Mgunda’s first task will be a Premier League match against Namungo at Majaliwa Stadium in Ruangwa, Lindi on Tuesday.
“The management of Simba SC has mutually agreed to terminate contract with Head Coach Abdelhak Benchikha together with his two Assistants Kamal Boujnane and Farid Zemit.
“Benchikha has requested to terminate his contract due to family issues affecting his family in Algeria.
“He has informed the club that his wife is sick hence he needs an ample time to attend to her… according to the importance of the matter, the club has conceded his request.
“Simba thank him for the entire time he spent at our club and wish him all the best, we pray for speed recovery of his wife,” reads part of the statement.
However, Benchikha’s last match was against Azam in the finals of Tanzania Union Super League at Amaan Sports Complex in Zanzibar on Saturday which Simba won 1-0 to be crowned champions.
The outing trainer guided Simba to reach quarterfinals of CAF CL. Msimbazi giants failed to make it to the semis which was the club’s target this season.
Generally, according to local soccer pundits, the coach and his technical staff have failed to meet the club’s expectations.
Simba at the third spot in the Mainland Premier League table and have lost home and away games to their traditional rivals, Young Africans SC.
