As the official transfer window is expected to open on July 1, the atmosphere in Tanzanian football is already heating up. Simba SC has started taking swift steps to strengthen its squad, with current focus on the goalkeeping department.
Despite coach Fadlu Davids guiding Simba through a technically successful season, the failure to secure any trophies left the Wekundu wa Msimbazi fans deeply disappointed. This outcome has pushed Simba's management to aggressively enter the transfer market, targeting key problem areas.
One glaring weakness was exposed in the season's final match against arch-rivals Yanga SC, where goalkeeping errors stood out. Reports suggest that Simba SC is in advanced talks with JKT Tanzania goalkeeper Yacoub Suleiman, who delivered an outstanding performance throughout the season. Additionally, there is a strong possibility that the club will sign an international goalkeeper as well.
The biggest talking point, however, is the future of first-choice keeper Moussa Camara, who ended the season with 19 clean sheets — one of the league’s top goalkeepers. Despite his stats, technical mistakes in crucial matches have led Simba officials to start searching for a potential replacement.
The name currently making headlines is Issa Fofana, the goalkeeper for Al-Hilal Omdurman of Sudan. This isn’t the first time Fofana has been linked to Simba; the club almost signed him last season before finalizing the deal for Camara. Now the situation has changed, and Fofana, an Ivorian national, is reportedly back on Simba’s radar.
A reliable source within the club stated:
"He’s a young goalkeeper but highly skilled. He understands modern football and could bring a major transformation to Simba's defense. We’re closely monitoring him, believing he could join our squad if Camara departs."
Fofana joined Al-Hilal on August 13, 2022, from San Pedro of Ivory Coast, and his contract runs until June 30, 2025. Under coach Florent Ibenge, he helped Al-Hilal win the Mauritania Premier League title for the 2024/25 season, guiding them to 20 wins, 7 draws, and just 3 losses — topping the league with 67 points.
