SIMBA SC have moved swiftly to shut down swirling rumours linking Congolese midfielder Ellie Mpanzu with a sensational switch to arch-rivals Young Africans SC (Yanga), insisting there is no dispute over his transfer and that the player remains firmly in their plans.

Speculation gained momentum in recent days, with some reports suggesting that Simba had failed to fully settle payments related to Mpanzu’s transfer from his previous club, raising the possibility of Young Africans swooping in to secure his services. 

However, Simba’s media and communication manager, Ahmed Ally, has dismissed the claims as baseless.

“We don’t owe Ellie Mpanzu anywhere,” Ally clarified. “We have already settled everything with the club he left. We are now with the player, and if there is anything, it is between us and him.”

Mpanzu (pictured), who joined Simba in January 2024 from Congolese side AS Vita, has quickly become a key figure in midfield, drawing praise for his technical ability, work rate, and creative link-up play. 

His strong performances in the Mainland Premier League and CAF interclub competitions have earned him admirers across the continent - and, apparently, the attention of rivals.

Ally accused Young Africans of attempting to unsettle Simba’s players with recycled rumours, citing previous efforts to lure Zambian midfielder Clatous Chama.

“Initially, they started with Chama. Every season they gossiped that he had signed for their team, but when the league started, he played for Simba,” said Ally. “Now they have moved on to Mpanzu, thinking it is easy to snatch him from us.”

Mpanzu’s importance to Simba was evident in the club’s pursuit of both domestic and continental honours last season. Throughout the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup campaign, he consistently showcased his value. 

In his nine appearances, he was not only a constant creative outlet but also directly contributed two assists and one goal.

In the 2024/25 Mainland Premier League season, Mpanzu scored four goals and provided six assists in 17 appearances, although Simba ultimately fell short in their attempt to wrestle the league crown from Young Africans.

Despite the off-field noise, sources close to the club suggest Mpanzu remains committed to Simba, with no indication from the player himself of any desire to leave.