One of the areas that head coach Steve Barker has promised to address urgently is Simba’s attacking department.
Speaking to journalists yesterday after Simba’s defeat to Azam FC in the Mapinduzi Cup semifinal, Barker said that in the one week he has spent with the team, he has identified shortcomings in attack.
Barker noted that in all three matches Simba played in the Mapinduzi Cup, the team failed to create enough scoring opportunities.
The South African coach said the 1–0 loss to Azam FC was partly a result of those attacking deficiencies.
“I have only been here for a few days, and my first task has been to bring the team together. Some of our key players reported late to camp,” he said, mentioning Sowah, Mpanzu, Ahoua, and Mukwala.
“But let me be clear—we have challenges in our attacking area. We are not creating enough chances. The truth is, in the three matches we played here, we did not create many opportunities,” Barker added.
“It is very difficult to win matches if you do not create chances, so this is an area we must work on,” he emphasized.
Barker also expressed frustration with defensive errors that led to fouls in dangerous areas, which allowed Azam FC to score from a set piece.
Following the defeat, Simba have no time to waste as they return to the training ground to prepare for their upcoming CAF Champions League match against Esperance.
