SIMBA Sports Club will return to Mainland Premier League action this afternoon as they face JKT Tanzania at 4:00 PM at the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium, determined to extend their dominance over the army side.

In the last five encounters between the two sides since the 2020/2021 season, Simba have emerged victorious in all matches a record they are eager to maintain as they push to close the gap with league leaders, Young Africans SC (Yanga).

Simba head coach Fadlu Davids (pictured) has confirmed the availability of key players who were rested in the club’s previous outing, including attacking midfielder Jean Charles Ahoua and holding midfielder Fabrice Ngoma. 

The South African tactician emphasized the importance of squad rotation, especially as the team is currently navigating a congested fixture schedule. “We are heading into another tough match against JKT Tanzania. For this game, we will have the chance to use players like Fabrice Ngoma and Jean Ahoua, who didn’t feature against Mashujaa FC,” said Davids. “Squad rotation is important because we are facing a tight run of back-to-back matches.”

Davids also took time to praise his squad’s fighting spirit in their recent 2-1 comeback victory over Mashujaa FC. The match, held at KMC Complex, saw Simba fall behind early but rally back with two second-half penalties converted by Lionel Ateba.

The dramatic turnaround showcased the mental strength of the squad, particularly as the game saw an extended 15 minutes of added time, following persistent time-wasting tactics by the opposition.

“It wasn’t easy, especially after Mashujaa scored early, which increased the pressure. They used every opportunity to waste time, but I’m proud of how we handled it. The referees did well to manage the situation by adding the appropriate time,” Davids noted.

The Simba coach reiterated his commitment to winning all remaining games in hand. With three rescheduled fixtures still to play, Davids insists that nothing is guaranteed until the final whistle.

“I’ve said it before, games in hand are not points in hand. You have to fight for every match to get the three points. I’m happy to see my players giving their all and achieving our targets,” he stated.

Simba, currently sitting second in the Premier League standings, have collected 60 points from 23 matches. They have won 19, drawn three, and lost only once. Young Africans, their eternal rivals and reigning champions, top the table with 70 points from 26 matches 10 points ahead, but having played three more games.

The fixture list ahead for Simba is packed with decisive encounters, including matches against Pamba Jiji (home), KMC FC (away), and Singida Black Stars (home). 

However, the most anticipated game remains the Dar es Salaam Derby against Young Africans, with the date yet to be confirmed. That game could potentially decide the fate of this season’s title.

Today’s opponents, JKT Tanzania, are currently seventh on the log with 32 points from 26 matches. The military side have registered seven wins, 11 draws, and eight defeats so far this season, and will be eager to disrupt Simba’s title ambitions.

Meanwhile, Cameroonian striker Lionel Ateba continues to impress, having netted both goals in the win over Mashujaa FC.  With 10 goals to his name, Ateba has now overtaken his teammate Steven Mukwala, who has scored nine goals. Ateba trails Young Africans’ top scorer Clement Mzize, who leads the golden boot race with 13 goals, by just three.

Interestingly, Charles Ahoua, who was rested for the last match, is Simba’s current top scorer in all competitions with 12 goals. His return is expected to add firepower and stability in today’s fixture.

With three games in hand and a potential six-point swing in the upcoming derby, Simba’s title hopes are still very much alive. Davids and his squad know that every match, starting with today’s clash against JKT Tanzania, will be critical if they are to dethrone Young Africans and reclaim the Premier League title.