SIMBA SC have moved swiftly to stabilize their technical bench following the sudden departure of head coach Fadlu Davids, appointing Taifa Stars head coach Hemed Suleiman ‘Morocco’ as caretaker manager for their crucial CAF Champions League second-leg tie against Gaborone United on September 28.

The South African tactician Davids, who guided Simba to a historic CAF Confederation Cup final last season, terminated his contract with the club last week before being officially unveiled as the new head coach of Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca. 

His abrupt exit left the Reds of Msimbazi in urgent need of a steady hand ahead of one of their most important fixtures of the early campaign. In a statement released on Tuesday, Simba confirmed that Hemed (pictured), widely known by his nickname ‘Morocco,’ will take temporary charge of the team as they look to overturn a narrow first-leg deficit against the Botswana champions.

“Simba Sports Club announces that Taifa Stars head coach Hemed Suleiman ‘Morocco’ will serve as caretaker coach and lead the team in our CAF Champions League second preliminary round return leg against Gaborone United on September 28,” the club said. 

“We sincerely thank the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) for granting permission for Coach Hemed to assist us during this critical assignment.” Hemed, a respected figure in Tanzanian football, has earned praise for revitalizing the national team since taking charge in 2023, guiding Taifa Stars to several impressive results in AFCON and World Cup qualifiers. 

His appointment is seen as a move to ensure continuity and calmness in the Simba dressing room as the club prepares for a high-pressure encounter at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. Simba officials have yet to confirm when a permanent successor to Davids will be named, but sources suggest the club is already in advanced talks with several candidates. For now, all eyes will be on Hemed as he attempts to guide the Msimbazi Street giants into the group stages of Africa’s premier club competition.