Pantev takes charge at Simba

DAR ES SALAAM: SIMBA SC have announced the appointment of Bulgarian coach Dimitar Pantev as their new head coach, following the recent departure of Fadlu Davids.

The club made the announcement yesterday through club’s official website and social media platforms, confirming that Pantev will lead the team as they prepare for the upcoming CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie against Nsingizini FC of Eswatini.

Pantev brings a wealth of experience, having started his coaching career in 2006. He has worked with clubs including Vladislav Varna, Shabla, Grand Pro Varna futsal club, the Bulgaria national futsal team, Spartak Varna, Palestinian side Alshoban Almuslimin Hebron, Svetkavitsa Targovishte, Victoria United in Cameroon, FC Johansen in Sierra Leone and most recently, Gaborone United in Botswana, where he won the FNB Premiership title.

Gaborone United confirmed his resignation yesterday, noting that he had informed the club of his decision to pursue a new opportunity. The club said he bid farewell to players and staff that morning before his departure.

At Simba, Pantev will be joined by members of his technical staff, including a goalkeeping coach and additional support personnel. The club confirmed that the full technical bench will be in place when the squad resumes training on Monday.

Speaking ahead of the resumption, Simba’s Communications and Media Manager, Ahmed Ally, stated that the squad will regroup with a strong focus on the Champions League encounter.

“Those on national duty will return in time to join the rest of the squad as we travel to Eswatini for the match. Monday marks our official return to training, and this time we will have a complete technical team in place,” he said.

Pantev replaces Fadlu Davids, who led Simba to a 1–0 win over Gaborone United in the first leg of their Champions League tie before departing to join Raja Casablanca in Morocco.

Following his exit, national team coach Hemed Suleiman was brought in temporarily for the return leg, which ended in a 1–1 draw at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. The result secured Simba a 2–1 aggregate win and a place in the next round.

Simba will face Nsingizini in a two-legged tie, beginning away in Eswatini on October 17, with the return leg set for October 24th in Dar es Salaam. The winner will progress to the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.