Two days ago, on Sunday, it was a bad day for Simba fans after suffering a 2–0 defeat to Azam FC, just days after losing two consecutive CAF Champions League group stage matches.
Unlike last season, when Simba lost only two of their first 12 matches—one in the Community Shield and another in the Premier League against Yanga (1–0)—they won eight matches against Coastal Union (1–0), Tabora United (now TRA United) 3–0, Fountain Gate (4–0), Al Ahly Tripoli (3–1), Azam (2–0), Dodoma City (1–0), Tanzania Prisons (1–0), and Namungo (3–0).
During that period, they recorded two draws: the first against Al Ahly Tripoli (0–0) and another against Coastal Union (2–2). Their first win of that season came in the Community Shield.
This season tells a different story—they have dropped by 16.7%. How? Last season within their first 12 matches in all competitions, Simba had a win rate of 66.7%, while this season it is only 50%.
Within that same short period, the team has undergone three coaching changes. They began the season under Fadlu Davids, his second season, but by mutual agreement he left after the first CAF Champions League preliminary match against Gaborone United, which Simba won 1–0 away in Botswana.
The team was then temporarily led by coach Seleman Matola for one League match against Fountain Gate, which they won 3–0. The leadership then sought to strengthen the bench by bringing in former Taifa Stars coach Hemed Suleiman ‘Morocco’ for the return leg against Gaborone.
A 1–1 draw at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium was enough to see Simba progress to the second round of the qualifiers, and within a few days, management finalized the deal with Dimitar Pantev, who had been Gaborone’s coach.
In just 61 days, Pantev—introduced as a manager—guided the team into the CAF Champions League group stage after a 3–0 win over Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini.
Pantev secured his first League win against JKT Tanzania (2–1) before losing two consecutive CAF Champions League group matches: the first at home against Petro Luanda (1–0), and the second away in Bamako, Mali, against Stade Malien (2–1).
Those defeats compelled Simba’s bosses to meet with the Bulgarian coach and terminate his contract. The club then announced that Matola would take charge again—though he too suffered his first defeat against Azam. In their 12 matches this season, Simba has scored a total of 17 goals—three fewer than last season’s 20 in the same period. They have conceded eight goals—three more than they did last season.
Despite losing several key players such as Fabrice Ngoma, Leonel Ateba, Fondoh Che Malone, Mohammed Hussein ‘Tshabalala’, and others, the remaining players—who were instrumental last season—have failed to step up this season.
Jean Charles Ahoua, Steven Mukwala, and Elie Mpanzu—who shined last season—have seen their performance decline. The absence of goalkeeper Moussa Camara and Abdulrazak due to injuries has also contributed to Simba’s struggles.
The departure of coach Fadlu Davids, followed by the arrival and quick exit of Pantev, has further destabilized the squad. Fadlu had begun building a team—including players he signed—before leaving. Pantev then attempted to build his own squad, with some players losing their positions. Before a consistent first XI could be established, he was dismissed.
There is also reported confusion within management and the absence of a video analyst—an expert who studies opponents through match footage—which is said to be affecting Simba, even though most of the blame publicly falls on the coaches.
Players appear to lack effort and composure, something attributed to the absence of someone responsible for motivating and psychologically preparing them to perform on the field.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE
At this point, as Simba searches for a new coach, the first priority should be restoring calm and stability within the squad. Frequent coaching changes may have affected players psychologically, which can impact their performance on the field.
Regular communication with management, reducing unnecessary pressure, and building morale are key to strengthening the team even before the new coach arrives.
Secondly, Simba must conduct a technical audit to identify the problematic areas. It is important to understand which players fit the desired system, who needs additional support, and which parts of the field are consistently causing weaknesses.
Such an assessment helps the incoming coach, providing a roadmap for necessary improvements rather than starting from scratch.
Finally, Simba must adopt a long-term strategy instead of chasing quick results. The new coach will need time, the right conditions, and a sustainable plan.
If improvements are made calmly and strategically, the arrival of the new coach could mark the beginning of major positive changes—unlike the instability being witnessed now.
Mwanaspoti
