THE 2024/2025 season has come to a painful end for Simba Sports Club, leaving their passionate fans with broken hearts and bitter questions. What started as a season full of promise, ambition, and momentum, has shockingly concluded without a single trophy in the cabinet.

For a club of Simba’s stature, this outcome has shaken the Red family to its core.

Until May 25, everything seemed possible. Simba were in contention for an historic treble - the Mainland Premier League title, the Federation Cup, and the CAF Confederation Cup. 

They had advanced deep into all competitions, and the mood among supporters was one of anticipation and belief. But in a matter of days, those dreams came crashing down.

The turning point came on that May 25 evening, during the CAF Confederation Cup final against Morocco’s RS Berkane in Zanzibar. 

Simba entered the decisive leg of the final trailing 2-0 from the first leg. The team put up a fight, but the 1-1 draw at New Amaan Stadium sealed their fate, with a 3-1 aggregate loss extinguishing hopes of continental glory. It was a result that cut deep - Simba had come so far, only to fall at the final hurdle.

But the heartbreak didn’t stop there.

Just five days later, on May 30, Simba’s hopes of salvaging the season with a domestic double were dashed once more. This time, it was the Federation Cup semi-final against Singida Black Stars. 

In a match many had tipped Simba to win comfortably, they suffered a surprising 3-1 defeat. The shock loss sent ripples through the fan base, who were still recovering from the CAF Confederation Cup final disappointment.

With both the continental and cup titles gone, the Premier League remained Simba’s only lifeline. However, that too slipped away on the season’s final day. 

In what was billed as the title decider, Simba faced archrivals Young Africans SC (Yanga) at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. A loss in that game effectively handed the championship to Young Africans, who lifted the trophy with a four-point cushion over Simba. 

Once again, the Reds came up short when it mattered most.

This devastating run of results has exposed deeper issues within the club that cannot be ignored. For a team that had been in control of the league standings at several points during the season, losing momentum in crucial fixtures proved costly. 

Matches that seemed winnable - against Fountain Gate and Azam FC - ended in dropped points. Those missed opportunities returned to haunt the club, especially when the title was lost by just four points.

Perhaps the most glaring statistic from the season is Simba’s record against Young Africans. The two teams met twice in the league, and Simba lost both encounters. 

The same scenario played out last season, with Simba again losing both matches to their eternal rivals. These four consecutive derby defeats not only cost Simba valuable points but also exposed a psychological barrier the team has yet to overcome.

This recurring pattern must prompt serious introspection among the Simba leadership. Fans and members are growing increasingly frustrated, and the pressure on club executives is mounting. 

Losing to your biggest rivals consistently - in games that have a direct bearing on the title race - is not just a tactical issue; it’s a structural and mental one.

Had Simba managed to draw or win just one of those matches against Young Africans this season, the title race could have taken a different trajectory. The margin was razor-thin, and it highlights just how crucial these derbies are to championship success.

Now, the Simba hierarchy must urgently devise a plan to overcome this Young Africans dominance. It is evident that dethroning the Jangwani Street giants begins with winning, or at the very least avoiding defeat, in the head-to-head clashes. 

The time for excuses is over. There must be a deliberate and well-structured response - in recruitment, in technical leadership, and in player mentality. The club’s management must also address squad depth and game management in high-pressure matches. 

Fatigue and lack of rotation may have contributed to the late-season collapse. With three competitions to contest, building a team with quality bench strength is non-negotiable for success next season.

There’s no doubt, Simba remain one of the most formidable football institutions in East Africa. But the 2024/2025 season has reminded everyone - from the boardroom to the stands - that reputation alone cannot win trophies. Strategy, mental resilience, and execution are what make champions.

As a new season approaches, Simba find themselves at a crossroads. Will they learn from the pain, rebuild stronger, and reclaim their place at the top? Or will the ghosts of this season continue to linger?

For their devoted fans, the message is clear: the time for words has passed - now, action must follow. The red shirts deserve better.