Simba have returned to Dar es Salaam from Angola, where they faced Petro Atletico in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw.
For Simba, that fixture was merely to complete the schedule, similar to their final group-stage match against Stade Malien set for next Saturday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
It has been a disappointing CAF Champions League campaign for Simba this season, but head coach Steve Barker says what happened should serve as a lesson and must not be repeated.
Barker stated that his immediate focus is ensuring the team avoids similar mistakes in the remaining competitions, with the objective of winning trophies.
He expressed confidence that his squad is now stronger following reinforcements made during the January transfer window, adding that with a little more time they will build a formidable side capable of restoring pride among the club’s supporters.
“At this stage, we do not want to keep dropping points in the competitions we are still involved in as we fight for the remaining trophies. I am impressed with how the players are improving day by day,”
“Our failure here gives us an opportunity to focus on other competitions, including the Premier League. This is a chance for us to reassess ourselves.”
“Simba is a team that is still being built. Once the players get a bit more time together and we channel our energy toward chasing the remaining titles, I believe we will succeed.”
“Simba’s ambitions are not only international but also domestic — we want to break our rivals’ records in the league. From now on, all our energy shifts there. We are prepared,” said Barker.
Simba’s next match is a Premier League encounter against KMC, scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, at the KMC Complex Stadium.
