SIMBA SC will return to action today as they face TMA Stars FC in the fourth round of the Federation Cup at KMC Complex.

The match is marking Simba’s first competitive fixture following the postponement of their highly anticipated derby against rivals Young Africans SC (Yanga).

Simba’s preparations for the Young Africans’ clash were disrupted last Friday when the club was denied access to Benjamin Mkapa Stadium for their final training session. The incident, which led to heated exchanges between both clubs, saw Simba management call off their pre-match camp and subsequently declare their intention not to participate in the fixture.

Following these events, the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) announced the postponement of the Dar es Salaam Derby, with a new date yet to be confirmed. As a result, Simba have now turned their full attention to their upcoming fixtures, starting with today’s Federation Cup encounter against TMA Stars.

As one of the most successful clubs in Tanzania, Simba are determined to advance further in the domestic cup competition. Their match against TMA Stars presents an opportunity for the ‘Wekundu wa Msimbazi’ to shift their focus back to winning ways.

Head coach Fadlu Davids is expected to field a strong squad as the team aims to secure a place in the next round. With the Federation Cup providing a route to silverware, Simba will be keen to avoid any upsets and assert their dominance over their lower-division opponents.

Simba’s players will also be looking to regain match sharpness ahead of a busy fixture schedule, as they prepare to face Dodoma Jiji FC in the Premier League rescheduled match on Friday at the same venue.

Simba enjoy one of the largest fan bases in the country, and supporters are expected to turn up in large numbers at KMC Complex to rally behind their team. Given the recent controversy surrounding the postponed derby, fans will be eager to see their team back in action and pushing for a strong performance in the domestic cup competition.

The match also provides an opportunity for fringe players to impress the technical bench, as Simba prepares for an intense run of fixtures both domestically and in continental competitions.