Simba SC head coach Dimitar Pentev has expressed satisfaction with his players’ spirit, morale, and work ethic during the two friendly matches played against Al Hilal.
Pentev said he is aware that there are still areas to improve, but he believes the adjustments won’t be too demanding since the players already understand what he expects from them.
On Sunday, the Simba squad continued their international preparations with their second friendly against Sudan’s Al Hilal Omdurman at Gymkhana Grounds in Dar es Salaam. This was the second warm-up match since Pentev officially took charge of the team.
The friendlies form part of Pentev’s special training program ahead of his first major test — the CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie against Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini, scheduled for next weekend.
In the first friendly between the two sides, played at Meja Jenerali Isamuhyo Stadium, Simba won 2–1. However, in the return fixture, Al Hilal emerged 4–1 victors. Pentev noted that results were not his primary focus; instead, he used the matches to assess his squad.
“I can’t change everything at once. I’ve seen the players working hard and understanding what I need from them. I told them what I wanted to see in these matches. For me, results don’t matter in friendlies — what matters is seeing how we play as a team, and I think we’re in a good place,” Pentev said.
“We need to be a team that plays with structure — attacking intelligently and defending collectively. These friendly matches help me identify who is truly ready to fight for the Simba badge, both on and off the pitch,” added the Bulgarian coach.
Simba continue their preparations at Mo Simba Arena ahead of their first-leg CAF Champions League qualifier against Nsingizini Hotspurs, set to be played on Sunday, October 19, in Eswatini.
