As the 2025/26 domestic and continental campaigns approach, Tanzania giants Simba Sports Club have shifted focus to strengthening their attacking department, with reports revealing their growing interest in Ivorian forward Celestin Ecua, who is currently plying his trade at ASEC Mimosas.

According to sources within the club, Simba have entered official negotiations with Ecua’s representatives, as they look to bring the 23-year-old striker to Dar es Salaam. 

Ecua is on loan at ASEC Mimosas from Zoman FC, and his performances this year have impressed the Simba technical bench, led by head coach Fadlu Davids.

Davids is said to have personally approved the move after being satisfied with Ecua’s all-round ability, viewing him as a valuable addition to a frontline that is seeking greater depth and dynamism ahead of the CAF Champions League and  Premier League campaigns.

Ecua has enjoyed a strong spell since joining ASEC in January 2025, ending the season with seven goals and four assists in the Ivorian Ligue 1, helping his side finish as runners-up. 

His contributions were not limited to domestic action; he was also a key figure in ASEC’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign, scoring two important goals as they reached the quarter-finals, where they were eventually eliminated by Moroccan side RS Berkane.

The young forward is admired not only for his goal-scoring prowess but also for his versatility. He can play as a central striker or out wide as a winger an attribute that coach Davids highly values, especially given his challenges this season in finding a multi-dimensional attacker who can seamlessly adapt across different positions in the final third.

Ecua finished the 2024/25 season as ASEC’s second-highest goal scorer, behind Salifou Diarrassouba, who netted eight times. 

Simba are reportedly keen to finalize the deal quickly, viewing Ecua as a long-term solution to sharpen their frontline and increase competition in the squad.

Currently, Simba have two main strikers in their roster -Ugandan international Steven Mukwala and Cameroonian forward Lionel Ateba. Both players have a goal contribution tally of 15 this season, each scoring 12 goals and providing three assists in the Mainland Premier League.

While Mukwala has been praised for his consistency and impact, questions continue to hover around Ateba, whose wastefulness in front of goal has cost him the confidence of some supporters despite his decent statistics. 

The competition between Mukwala and Ateba remains intense, but the arrival of Ecua could tip the scales. Ultimately, the technical bench will decide who remains to form part of the new-look attack alongside the potential new signing.

Meanwhile, Simba have also begun working on securing the future of one of their most crucial assets goalkeeper Moussa Camara (pictured). 

The Guinean international joined Simba last season on a two-year deal and is now entering the final year of his contract. However, following an outstanding season, the club is keen to extend his stay until at least 2028.

Camara has proven to be a solid presence between the posts for the Msimbazi Street-based side  In the 2024/25 season, he played a pivotal role in Simba’s run to the CAF Confederation Cup final and was instrumental in the club’s strong performances in the domestic league.

With 17 clean sheets to his name so far this season, Camara is a strong contender for the Mainland Premier League Golden Glove award. His consistency and commanding presence have made him one of the top-performing goalkeepers on the continent.

His performances have not gone unnoticed, as several clubs within and outside Africa are reportedly monitoring him closely. In response, Simba are acting swiftly to safeguard their interests, opening talks to offer him a new deal that includes a substantial salary increase.

According to insider information, the club aims to double Camara’s earnings, not only to ward off external suitors but also to position themselves favorably for a lucrative transfer in the future should he eventually move on.

Retaining Camara is seen as a strategic investment for Simba, one that ensures continuity, leadership, and psychological assurance for the entire team. 

A reliable goalkeeper is often the foundation of a successful defense, and his presence offers the rest of the squad the confidence to play more freely.

With the transfer window fast approaching, Simba’s early moves to reinforce their squad with Ecua potentially joining and Camara close to renewing indicate that the club is serious about competing at the highest level, both domestically and in African competitions.