Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has heaped praise on his Malian striker Ibrahim Doumbia following an impressive performance in the CAF Champions League (CAFCL), insisting that the young forward has enormous potential to become an even greater threat.
Barker’s comments came after Doumbia opened his scoring account for the Msimbazi Reds, netting twice in Simba’s emphatic 6-1 victory over 15 de Agosto.
Before the match, Doumbia had been going through a difficult spell, facing heavy criticism from fans and analysts for failing to demonstrate his goal-scoring prowess since the start of the season.
Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, Barker explained that the goals had come at the right time to ease the pressure on the striker and help him regain his composure.
"I am very happy that Doumbia scored today. When strikers join a big club like Simba, they come under immense pressure from fans if they take too long to score. These two goals take a huge weight off his shoulders and give him a great sense of relief," Barker said.
The coach added that he had believed in Doumbia from the outset because of what he had shown in training and the impressive record he brought with him from Mali, despite pressure from some fans for him to be dropped to the bench.
Barker urged fans to remain patient, pointing out that Doumbia is still a young player at just 22 years old and is continuing to learn and adapt to the team’s systems.
"His age is on his side; he is still very young. He continues to grow and learn every day. This is only the beginning, and I am confident he will get even better as he gains more experience here in Tanzania and in international competitions," Barker concluded.
The 6-1 victory has not only put Simba in a strong position in their push towards the group stage, but has also restored Doumbia’s confidence, while boosting morale within the squad ahead of their upcoming NBC Premier League fixtures and the next stage of the CAF competition.
