Simba SC have decided to make special use of the FIFA international break after making a flying start to the Mainland Premier League season. The Reds of Msimbazi are expected to travel to South Africa for a 10-day training camp, with the trip aimed at more than just preparations for their clash against traditional rivals Yanga SC.
According to the club, the squad is expected to leave the country on September 24 and set up a special camp in South Africa. The decision comes as the league takes a break to allow national teams to fulfil their duties during the FIFA calendar.
Simba head into the break with plenty to be proud of. In their opening six league matches, the team have won all six and collected 18 points.
Their main rivals, Yanga, have also made an identical start and sit on 18 points, but are above Simba thanks to a superior goal difference.
As a result, the October 10 fixture carries significant weight, with both teams heading into the Kariakoo Derby still unbeaten in the league.
The match is scheduled for October 10 at 7:00pm at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, with Simba serving as the home side.
Why South Africa?
Simba’s decision to travel to South Africa appears to be about more than simply changing their surroundings. The club also wants to secure an environment that will provide stability as the team prepares for a demanding October schedule.
Simba Information and Communications Officer Ahmed Ally explained that one of the reasons for choosing South Africa was to find an environment that would allow the players to remain together and prepare without the usual distractions that can arise when they are based at the Bunju camp.
The club has also arranged facilities needed for training and physical recovery, including a gym, swimming pool, rehabilitation services and training pitches.
For Simba, this is an opportunity to turn the FIFA break into a period of intensive preparation rather than leaving the team simply waiting for the league to resume.
A demanding October requires special preparations
The match against Yanga is only one part of the demanding schedule awaiting Simba.
After the Kariakoo Derby on October 10, Simba are expected to face Mashujaa FC on October 13 before entering the next stage of the CAF Champions League. The schedule makes October a month packed with important domestic and continental fixtures.
The South Africa camp can therefore be used for several purposes: correcting mistakes seen in the opening six matches, improving the team’s technical quality, strengthening squad cohesion and ensuring the players are in good condition before returning to competitive action.
Above all, the technical bench under head coach Steve Barker will have time to work in a calm environment as they prepare for a fixture that naturally carries significant pressure.
