AS the 2024/25 season nears its dramatic conclusion, Simba SC head coach Fadlu Davids is drawing praise for his impressive debut season at the helm of one of Tanzania’s most prestigious football clubs.

Appointed in July 2024, the South African tactician inherited a squad in transition. Less than a year later, he has turned them into serious contenders both domestically and on the continental stage.

With three crucial Mainland Premier League matches remaining against KenGold, Kagera Sugar, and arch-rivals Young Africans SC (Yanga) Fadlu is focused on achieving a perfect finish. The highly anticipated Dar es Salaam Derby on June 25 could very well decide the fate of the championship.

Simba currently sit second on the league table with 72 points, just one behind reigning champions Young Africans, who have 73. A clean sweep of the remaining matches will not only see Simba reclaim the Premier League title but will also solidify Davids’ legacy in his first season in charge.

But for Davids (pictured), the Young Africans derby carries added weight. Simba have failed to win in the last four consecutive league derbies - a streak that has disappointed their passionate supporters. A victory on June 25 would not only keep Simba's title hopes alive but also restore pride and bragging rights to the Msimbazi Street-based side.

“This is a season that could end with a smile or tears,” a source close to the team revealed. “But winning the derby and taking the title would cement Fadlu’s name in Simba folklore.”

From the start, Davids brought a new energy to the squad. He instilled discipline, introduced a modern playing style, and gave young players the confidence to shine on big stages. The results have been remarkable.

In continental football, Simba reached the final of the CAF Confederation Cup, ultimately falling to Morocco’s RS Berkane. Despite the loss, their journey to the final earned admiration across Africa, and the club is now ranked fifth in the CAF club standings. 

Domestically, they also reached the semifinals of the Federation Cup, underlining their competitive consistency.

What stands out most is the transformation Davids has spearheaded within the squad. He has built a team that plays with urgency, hunger, and youthful vigor. This is not just a short-term project, it’s a foundation for long-term dominance.

Under his leadership, Simba have also secured qualification for next season’s CAF Champions League, giving the coach a wider platform to showcase his tactical brilliance and further raise Simba’s profile on the continent.

With the transfer window approaching, the club is expected to make strategic signings to strengthen weak areas. Davids reputation for nurturing talent and maximizing potential means Simba fans can look forward to an even more competitive team in the 2025/26 season.

Still, the immediate focus is on the remaining three matches. Anything less than three wins could see the league title slip away again, but Fadlu remains confident.

Regardless of whether Simba end the season as champions or runners-up, Davids has already earned respect. He has revived the team’s fighting spirit, restored hope among fans, and brought back a sense of identity and purpose.

Now all eyes turn to June 25. A win in the derby could be more than just three points, it could mark the dawn of a new era for Simba SC.