SIMBA SC head coach Fadluraghman Davids has lauded the club’s chief scout, Mels Daalder, for his pivotal role in a highly successful transfer window.

The Msimbazi Street-based club has secured a roster of talented new players in preparation for the 2025/26 season, marking a significant shift in the outfit's recruitment strategy.

The Tanzanian football powerhouse, the runner-up in last season's CAF Confederation Cup, has signed a total of 12 players, with four of them yet to be officially announced.
 
 This influx of new talent comes after the departure of several key players. Fan favourite, left-back Mohamed Hussein, has been replaced by youthful left-back Anthony Mligo from Namungo FC.
 
 Midfielder Fabrice Ngoma is succeeded by Allasane Kante, and defender Che Malone Fondoh is replaced by South African international Rushine De Rueck. Up front, striker Leonel Ateba makes way for Ghanaian forward Jonathan Sowah.

Other notable signings include Guinean midfielder Naby Camara, Kenyan forward Mohamed Bajaber from Kenya Police FC, young Tanzanian midfielder Hussein Semfuko from Coastal Union, and compatriot Morice Abraham, who joined as a free agent after training with the club since January.

While the club has kept some of its signings under wraps, sources indicate that the four unannounced players are midfielder Neo Maema from South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns, forward Suleiman Mwalimu (on loan from Morocco's Wydad AC), goalkeeper Yakoub Suleiman, and centerback Wilson Nangu, both from JKT Tanzania.

This transfer window is particularly significant as it was driven entirely by the coaching staff. Head coach Davids (pictured) expressed that this season's acquisitions were 100% his choice, a stark contrast to last season when he arrived after most of the transfers were already finalized.

Last season, Davids was involved in the signings of Guinean goalkeeper Moussa Camara and the outgoing Cameroonian striker Leonel Ateba.

This new approach reflects the club's commitment to building a squad that perfectly aligns with Davids' tactical vision and playing style.

Speaking about Daalder's expertise in selecting the right players, Davids stated: "You can't replace a player like Fabrice Ngoma with another Fabrice. What you can do is find a player who matches the exact profile and quality you need. That's what we've done, and a huge credit goes to Mels Daalder for his work in helping us improve for next season."

He added: "Our team already has a solid foundation. We only needed a few players to come in and help us establish our ideal style of play, which will eventually give us the full package. So far, I'm proud of my team and where we're heading. I'm hopeful that we'll have a great season."

The team is currently in Cairo, Egypt, for a pre-season training camp, with the club also intensifying preparations with a series of friendly matches. 

So far, Simba SC has played three games against Egyptian sides, securing two victories (against Carabat FC 2-0 and 1-0 win against Al Zurfi) and a single loss (4-3) against ENPPI Cub. 

The impressive pre-season results provide a promising glimpse of the team's potential as they head into the new campaign with a revamped and dynamic squad, while a loss gave the coach a good insight into areas to improve.

Simba SC is gearing up for the new season with a series of crucial matches. The club's pre-season will kick off with its annual Simba Day celebration on September 10, featuring an open friendly match against a yet-unnamed opponent.

Following this, the team will compete for the first silverware of the season in the Community Shield tie on September 16 against age-old rivals Young Africans SC.

The club's demanding schedule continues into the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, which will witness the outfit face Botswana Premier League champions, Gaborone United, in the first preliminary round.

Simba SC will play the first leg away in Botswana on September 20, followed by the decisive return leg at home in Dar es Salaam on September 27.