SIMBA SC head coach Fadlu Davids remains confident in his team’s ability to reclaim the Premier League title, despite their recent 1-1 draw against Fountain Gate FC.

Davids (pictured) insists the title race is far from over and has urged fans to remain patient as the season unfolds.

“The league still has many matches left, so anything can happen,” Davids said. “Let’s wait and see what the end result will be. Mistakes happen in football, but we are determined to get back to our winning ways.”

Young Africans recently overtook Simba at the top of the Premier League standings, increasing pressure on the Msimbazi Street-based side to respond. With both teams having played 17 matches, Simba sit in second place with 44 points, one behind their rivals.

Simba had a chance to remain at the summit but dropped two crucial points in their last Thursday clash against Fountain Gate at Tanzanite Kwaraa Stadium in Manyara. A costly own goal by midfielder Ladack Chasambi denied them victory after they had taken the lead.

Despite the setback, Davids remains positive about his squad’s prospects, emphasizing that Simba are still in the title race. 

“We will return to the top," he stated. "We are still alive in the championship battle, even though we dropped points away from home for the first time this season.”

The last time Simba won the Premier League title was in the 2020-2021 season under French coach Didier Gomes da Rosa. That triumph marked their fourth consecutive league title, following victories in 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2019-2020. Since then, Young Africans have dominated the domestic league.

Davids also revealed that he spoke with Chasambi after the match to reassure him following his own goal. 

“I sat down with him after the game to calm him down," Davids said. “Mistakes are part of football, and before that incident, there were other mistakes in the game. He actually played a great match and was the one who created our goal.”

The South African coach urged Simba fans to support Chasambi rather than blame him, reminding them of his contributions to the team’s success.

Simba will have an opportunity to bounce back when they host Tanzania Prisons tomorrow at the KMC Complex Stadium. A win could see them reclaim the top spot, depending on the result of Young Africans’ match against JKT Tanzania today.