Simba head coach Steve Barker is expected to arrive this weekend to officially begin his duties, taking over from Dimitar Pantev, who was relieved of his position.
Barker is set to lead Simba in the Mapinduzi Cup tournament, which is scheduled to kick off on Sunday in Zanzibar.
He will arrive in the country alongside his technical staff, who will join Suleiman Matola, whom Barker is reportedly keen to retain on the technical bench.
Among the expected arrivals is Maahier Davids, the younger brother of former Simba coach Fadlu Davids, who is tipped to take up the role of first assistant coach.
Simba, who are competing in the CAF Champions League Group D alongside Esperance of Tunisia, Petro Atlético of Angola, and Stade Malien, are one of the 10 teams confirmed to participate in the 2026 Mapinduzi Cup, which begins on December 28 in Zanzibar. Simba have been placed in Group B.
In that group, Simba will face Fufuni and Mwembe Makumbi, starting with Mwembe Makumbi on January 3 before concluding the group stage against Fufuni two days later.
Barker is expected to use the tournament to assess his squad before making decisions regarding reinforcements in the upcoming mid-season transfer window.
