Simba head coach Steve Barker has made it clear that the team’s training camp in South Africa has gone according to his expectations, despite the challenge of some players arriving late to join their teammates.
Simba are in Polokwane for a special period of preparation aimed at continuing to build the team ahead of important matches awaiting them upon their return to Tanzania.
Barker explained that a large part of the squad already understands his system and football philosophy. As a result, players arriving at different times did not force the technical bench to restart the preparation process.
The coach appears to be using the camp primarily as an opportunity to continue work that had already begun, rather than treating it as a fresh start to the season.
Final days prove important
As the camp approaches its conclusion, Simba have continued completing the integration of the squad after various players arrived at different times.
Among those who joined the team in the final stages were Alain Anicet Oura and Ibrahim Doumbia. The two have had the opportunity to work with their teammates during the final days of the camp, something Barker believes can help them adapt to the team’s requirements.
From the technical bench’s perspective, that period may not be considered long, but it can be used to take the players through important tactical instructions and how the team wants to play.
Simba travelled to South Africa with a bigger agenda than simply conducting routine training sessions. The camp has been part of the team’s preparations for a highly competitive schedule, including the Kariakoo Derby against Yanga scheduled for October 10, 2026.
