Former Simba coach Jamhuri Kihwelo ‘Julio’ has said the time has come for the club to restructure its leadership system and introduce a new workforce that will bring transformation to reclaim the Premier League title and perform better in continental competitions organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Julio, who starred for the club in the 1980s and 1990s before turning to coaching, said it is time for long-serving leaders at the club to step aside and allow others with better development plans to take charge.
"There are people who have become too familiar at the club over the years. Decency demands they step aside to give room for others who can implement plans that will bring progress to Simba," Julio was quoted by the newspaper Mwanaspoti.
"It has never happened before that Simba loses five matches in a row against Yanga, and yet the leaders remain silent as if it’s normal for a big club like Simba to face such a challenge. If new people come in who understand what football demands, Simba can do wonders in Africa."
"Simba does not belong to a few individuals who act selfishly and make arbitrary decisions while fans continue to suffer. Football has changed—if you recruit well, you’ll see the results. A good example is the past period when Simba won the title four consecutive times with a squad full of top-quality players."
The former central defender who also played for CDA and the national team Taifa Stars, said a new leadership should also focus on bringing in strong and capable players who are committed to the club, rather than inconsistent performers who have, in many cases, let the team down.
However, despite missing out on the title this season, Simba still showed strong competition under coach Fadlu Davids, pushing Yanga until the Kariakoo Derby on June 25, which ultimately decided the league champion as Yanga won 2-0.
Simba finished the season with 78 points, four behind champions Yanga who amassed 82 points after 30 matches. The club also produced the league’s top scorer, Jean Charles Ahoua with 16 goals, and goalkeeper Camara who led with 19 clean sheets.
