Simba flex muscles as January window heats up

DAR ES SALAAM: AS the January transfer window remains open, Premier League clubs have stepped up their recruitment efforts in a bid to fine-tune squads ahead of the crucial second round of the campaign.

With championship dreams, survival battles and continental ambitions on the line, clubs are moving decisively to reshape their teams. Leading the headlines are the Msimbazi giants, Simba SC, who continue to assemble a formidable squad for both domestic competition and demanding international assignments, particularly the CAF Champions League.

The Reds have made their intentions clear: They want to compete strongly on all fronts. Simba recently confirmed the signing of experienced central defender Ismael Touré (28), who arrives as a free agent after mutually terminating his contract with UAE side FC Baniyas.

The acquisition adds depth and experience to Simba’s back line at a critical stage of the season. Touré brings valuable international exposure, having previously featured for South African club Stellenbosch FC, where he worked under coach Steve Barker.

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His consistent performances there elevated his profile and opened doors beyond the continent, including a move to the Middle East. The defender’s arrival is part of Simba’s broader strategy to reinforce the squad as they chase success in the NBC Premier League and aim to make a deeper run in continental competitions, where defensive solidity often proves decisive.

In the same transfer window, Simba also secured the signature of Tanzania international left back Nickson Kibabage from Singida Black Stars. His addition further underlines the club’s determination to turn their defence into a solid foundation as the season enters a decisive phase. Elsewhere, Azam FC winger Tepsi Evance has completed a sixmonth loan move to JKT Tanzania, where he will remain until the end of the season.

At the army side, Tepsi reunites with former Azam midfielder Sospeter Bajana, who joined JKT earlier in the campaign. Azam’s technical bench recommended the loan, believing JKT Tanzania offers Tepsi the ideal platform to secure regular playing time and continue his development.

With his contract at the Chamazi-based club set to expire at the end of the season, the loan spell could prove pivotal in determining his future.

Tepsi has been with Azam FC since 2019 after being promoted to the senior team by coach Etienne Ndayiragije, and he has previously enjoyed loan spells at Ihefu FC. Meanwhile, the Southern Killers, Namungo FC, have begun a reshuffle of their squad, parting ways with goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana and midfielders Faria Ondongo and Abubakar Ngalema.

On the same day, the club confirmed the signing of midfielder Ali Chamulungu from Azam FC, signalling the start of a fresh rebuild.