For nearly eight seasons, Simba SC has not participated in the East and Central Africa club championship, currently known as the CECAFA Kagame Cup.
This year, the Reds return to a competition where they have a rich history, being the most successful club in the tournament with six titles.
Simba’s Head of Information and Communications, Ahmed Ali, said the club’s mission this year is not only to participate but to compete strongly and fight for the championship.
Simba plans to use the Kagame Cup as an important part of its preparations for the 2026/27 season, with the Tanzania Premier League expected to begin on August 14.
Before the league campaign starts, Simba will open the season with the Community Shield match against rivals Yanga on August 12, making the Kagame Cup an important test for the Msimbazi Reds squad.
Simba’s History and Success in the CECAFA Kagame Cup
Simba SC has a proud history in the East and Central African club championship, becoming the most successful team in the competition, which held great prestige in previous years.
Over the years, Simba established dominance in the tournament, winning the title six times since its introduction in the 1970s.
- First title (1974): Simba made history by winning its first East and Central African Club Championship trophy.
- Dominance in the 1990s: This period was highly successful for Simba, as the club won four titles in the decade. The Reds were crowned champions in 1991, 1992, 1995, and 1996.
- Sixth title (2002): Simba returned to the top of the region by winning the CECAFA Kagame Cup in 2002, which remains its most recent title in the competition.
Simba in the 2026 Kagame Cup
The 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 24 to August 7, 2026.
In the draw held on July 10, 2026, Simba SC was placed in Group B alongside Tanzanian side Singida Black Stars, Jamus FC of South Sudan, and Mogadishu City from Somalia.
Tournament Format
The competition will feature three groups. The teams that finish top of each group will automatically qualify for the semi-finals.
In addition, the best-performing team among those finishing second in the groups will qualify for the semi-finals through the "best loser" qualification system.
Returning to the competition after a long absence, Simba aims to use the platform to restore its dominance in East and Central Africa while building a strong squad ahead of the new season.
Simba supporters are eager to see their team continue its dominance in the tournament by adding a seventh title this year and making a strong comeback.
