To wrap up preparations for the new season, Simba will take to the pitch today at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to face Kenya’s historic champions, Gor Mahia, in the Simba Day festival.
This match will not only give “Wekundu wa Msimbazi” fans the chance to see their new signings, but it will also serve as a test for the squad ahead of the Community Shield clash against Yanga on September 16.
This is not the first time Gor Mahia and Simba have met. Their encounters have always been captivating. The last meeting came in the 2018 SportPesa Super Cup final, where Simba lost 2-0, with goals from Meddie Kagere and Jacques Tuyisenge.
After that tournament, Simba signed Kagere, who went on to make a huge impact in the red jersey of Wekundu wa Msimbazi, setting several records — including being the Tanzanian Premier League’s top scorer for two consecutive seasons, netting 23 and 22 goals respectively.
The rivalry between the two clubs remains intense given their stature. For Gor Mahia, it will be an opportunity to build on what they achieved in the past, when they earned the chance to travel to England and play against Everton.
For Simba, it will be a chance to stamp their dominance in East Africa, as they are currently ranked fifth on the continent according to CAF. Gor Mahia, on the other hand, do not feature in the list of the top 75 African clubs released early last month.
