Simba carefully scrutinises head coach options

SIMBA has stated that they are carefully considering many factors before naming a new coach to lead the team in their upcoming domestic and international games.

Simba’s Media and Communication Manager, Ahmed Ally made the remarks yesterday, urging for calm among the Reds supporters as the club’s management finalises the process to replace the sacked Brazilian tactician, Roberto Oliveira.

“The management is working tirelessly to ensure that we find a suitable coach who can guide our team effectively and help us achieve the goals we set at the beginning of the season,” Ally said.

“We want to avoid rushing the process and then criticising the new coach after just a few days or weeks, claiming that they are not the right person for such a prestigious club like Simba,” he added.

Among the coaches rumoured to be on Simba’s radar is their former trainer, Sven Vandenbroeck, who left the club in 2021. Former Young Africans coach Nasreddine Nabi and Abdelhak Benchikha, who led USM Alger to victory in last season’s CAF Confederation Cup (CAF CC), are also speculated to be in talks with Simba, although the club has not yet confirmed these rumours.

The Reds are preparing to host ASEC Mimosas in their first group stage match of the CAF Champions League (CAF CL), which is scheduled to take place at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.

“We are aware that our fans are not happy, especially after our recent performance in league matches. The only way to bring smiles back to their faces is by outclassing ASEC Mimosas. Therefore, I want to assure our members and supporters that our team is preparing well for the Champions League match and we are aiming for a positive start to our campaign,” he said.

During this international break, Simba players who have not earned national team call ups have continued their preparations for the upcoming clash against ASEC Mimosas under interim coach Dani Cadena and his assistant Selemani Matola.

To keep the squad in a competitive mindset, Simba played a friendly match against Dar City at the Simba Mo Arena venue in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, and the Reds emerged as 4-0 winners.

“The friendly game was arranged for technical purposes and to provide an opportunity for our players who were not called up to their national teams to maintain their match fitness,” Ally revealed.