The arrival of Dimitar Pentev has brought good fortune for defender Wilson Nangu, who on Sunday started for the first time in Simba’s first-team during the first-leg CAF Champions League playoff match against Nsingizini Hotspurs, played in Eswatini.
And proving that the start was no stroke of luck, Nangu scored Simba’s opener with a header at the end of the first half, finishing off a corner taken by Neo Maema as Simba went on to win 3–0.
Nangu expressed his joy on what was his first international match — and even more so for scoring a goal that will remain a memorable moment in his football career.
“First I thank the coach for trusting me and giving me the chance in this game. He gave me instructions and I’m grateful I was able to execute them.”
“This was a big match for me as it was my first-ever international game, but I thank God for enabling me to perform well and even score a goal.”
“Honestly I did not expect it — I was shocked when the coach told me I would start this match. But he believed in me and felt I had something to contribute to help the team in this game. I’m happy my contribution helped the team win,” said Nangu.
Nangu was signed by Simba from JKT Tanzania together with goalkeeper Yacoub Suleiman, who also started the match in place of the injured Moussa Camara.
Since joining Simba, Nangu had not started any match — friendly or competitive — but after Pentev watched him in training, he was convinced Nangu could be an important piece in his defensive line.
Nangu is now putting questions to his fellow defenders in the backline — Chamou Carabou, Abdulrazak Hamza (still injured), and Masinde — while Rushine De Reuck has already secured his spot in the first team.
