SIMBA SC have confirmed that eight players will be unavailable for their Federation Cup Round of 16 match against Bigman on March 27 at KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam due to international commitments.

Six players - Mohamed Hussein, Kibu Denis, Yusuph Kagoma, Abdulrazak Hamza, Ally Salim, and Shomari Kapombe - will be representing Taifa Stars against Morocco on March 26. 

Additionally, Steven Mukwala will be with the Uganda Cranes, while goalkeeper Moussa Camara, recently recovered from injury, will be with the Guinea national team.

Despite these absences, Simba SC's Media and Communication Manager, Ahmed Ally, has expressed confidence in the squad’s depth, stating that the remaining players possess the quality and experience to secure victory against Bigman.

To reach the Round of 16, Simba secured a 3-0 victory over Championship side TMA, while Bigman advanced by defeating Tanzania Prisons 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Bigman, based in Lindi, currently sit 7th in the Tanzania second-tier league with 38 points from 10 wins, eight draws, and five losses. They have scored 21 goals and conceded 15, resulting in a goal difference of +6.

Simba, meanwhile, boast the strongest defense in the Mainland Premier League, conceding just eight goals. However, league leaders Young Africans hold the most potent attack, with 58 goals compared to Simba's 52.

The Msimbazi Street giants currently occupy second place in the Premier League, trailing Young Africans by a single point. Simba have scored 52 goals and conceded eight, achieving a goal difference of +44.

Ally emphasized that Simba’s squad depth allows them to remain competitive despite the absence of key players.

"Even without these eight players, we have enough depth and experience to secure a convincing win. Our squad includes both local and international talent capable of delivering results at the continental level," said Ally.

He added that the match will provide an opportunity for rotational players to prove themselves and strengthen their case for a starting role in upcoming competitions.

The absence of both first and second-choice goalkeepers means third-choice goalkeeper Abel Hussein is set to start and play the full 90 minutes against Bigman.

Following a series of internal friendly matches and player evaluations, Coach Fadlu Davids (pictured) is expected to recall Hussein Kazi to the starting lineup, partnering with Chamoue Karaboue at center-back. 

David Kameta and Valentino Nouma are set to play as full-backs.

In midfield, Fabrice Ngoma and Augustine Okejepha will anchor the center in a double pivot, with Awesu Ally Awesu operating as the attacking midfielder. 

Edwin Balua will take the right wing, Elie Mpanzu the left, and Leonel Ateba will lead the attack as the center-forward.

Meanwhile, Che Fondoh Malone is focused on recovering in time for the CAF Confederation Cup group-stage match against Al Masry on April 2 and will miss the Federation Cup match against Bigman.

Simba are scheduled to travel to Egypt on March 30, where players returning from international duty will rejoin the squad ahead of their crucial CAF Confederation Cup away fixture against Al Masry SC at New Suez Stadium. 

The return leg is set for April 9.