After failing to win a league title for four consecutive seasons, Simba SC head coach Steve Barker says his team is determined to secure at least one trophy this season, while stressing that winning both would be an even greater achievement.
Despite their strong title ambitions, Simba currently sit second in the NBC Premier League standings with 64 points, two points behind leaders Yanga, who have 66 points.
Yanga are scheduled to play a crucial match against Azam FC on June 27, a fixture that could have a major impact on the title race. If Yanga drop points, Simba will have a stronger chance of staying in contention for the championship.
The first-round encounter between Yanga and Azam FC ended in a goalless draw on May 15, highlighting how tightly contested the fixture is expected to be once again.
Simba, meanwhile, are set to face Singida Black Stars on June 27 at KMC Complex. Although Simba won the first-round meeting 2–1 on September 25, Barker is well aware of the challenge Singida Black Stars can present in competitive fixtures.
Speaking about his team’s objectives, Barker said reaching the CRDB Cup final has boosted their confidence as they aim to finish the season strongly.
“Reaching the Federation Cup final is a big achievement for us and gives us confidence to fight for trophies. We know the remaining matches are tough and highly competitive, but we are ready to compete,” said Barker.
He added that his players continue to show strong performances in training and matches, which gives him belief that the team can achieve its season targets.
“We have a responsibility to perform well in all remaining matches. The level our players are showing every day gives us hope of finishing the season successfully. We need to win every game left,” he added.
Simba have three league matches remaining. They will begin with Mtibwa Sugar on June 24 at Jamhuri Stadium in Morogoro, followed by Singida Black Stars on June 27 and KMC on June 30, with all matches scheduled at KMC Complex.
So far this season, Simba have played 27 league matches, winning 19, drawing seven, and losing once. They have scored 48 goals and conceded 11, collecting a total of 64 points.
In the CRDB Bank Federation Cup, Simba have been dominant since the Round of 16, winning 3–1, then defeating TRA United 3–0 in the quarter-finals and Coastal Union 4–0 in the semi-finals to reach the final.
The CRDB Cup final is expected to be played on July 4 after the conclusion of the league season on June 30, although the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has yet to officially announce the venue.
