After a short break, Simba SC return to training today to begin preparations for their CAF Champions League qualifier against Nsingizini Hotspurs, scheduled for October 18 in Eswatini.
Simba’s new General Manager, Dimitar Pantev, is expected to lead the team’s training session for the first time, just a day after joining the Msimbazi Reds from Gaborone United.
Pantev arrived in Tanzania on Saturday, accompanied by his assistant coach, Byoko Kamenov, who also worked with him at Gaborone United.
The two will join the technical bench that had been under the temporary leadership of coach Selemani Matola. Matola will continue his duties as assistant coach, although officially he will still be recognized as the head coach.
Despite holding a UEFA A coaching license, Pantev does not yet meet CAF requirements to be officially recognized as a head coach. According to CAF regulations, a head coach must hold either a UEFA Pro or CAF A license.
Simba’s management has already arranged for Pantev to attend a special CAF coaching course to enable him to meet the necessary qualifications for official recognition as head coach.
In the meantime, as General Manager, Pantev will be seated on the technical bench and perform his duties — the only difference being his official title.
