Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has said that despite failing to win the league title this season, he still sees significant long-term progress within the team that will help the club perform better in the coming seasons.
Barker stated that Simba ended the season in strong form, winning 10 consecutive matches and putting pressure on defending champions Yanga SC, who eventually secured the title by just two points.
However, the South African coach insisted that his team managed to handle the pressure well during the closing stages of the campaign.
"What we controlled was our ability to win matches, and we did that very well. We finished the season strongly with 10 straight wins and kept pushing Yanga. They handled the pressure and I congratulate them for winning the title," Barker said.
Barker emphasized that his optimism is not only based on short-term results but also on the internal development of the squad, especially in terms of playing philosophy.
He noted that Simba players are beginning to fully understand his tactical system, match discipline, and the process of building a strong team identity on the pitch.
He added that this progress is more important than immediate results, stressing that Simba is on the right path toward rebuilding and returning to the top of Tanzanian and African football.
Simba still have a chance to win silverware this season when they face Azam FC in the CRDB Cup final on Saturday, July 4, at Gombani Stadium in Pemba.
