SIMBA Sports Club are in the final stages of negotiations with head coach Fadlu Davids over a new contract following the expiry of his one-year deal at the end of the 2024/2025 season.

Reliable sources within the club have confirmed that Davids (pictured) has already held high level meetings with Simba’s top leadership aimed at finalizing terms for a contract extension. The discussions are said to be progressing well, with both parties showing a strong desire to continue their partnership.

The move to retain Davids comes as a result of the positive impact he has had on the team since his arrival. Despite failing to secure any silverware during the recently concluded season, the team’s performances on the pitch improved significantly, demonstrating a clear tactical identity and fighting spirit under the South African coach.

The club’s honorary president, Mohammed Dewji, is reported to have given his personal assurance to Davids that a new contract will be tabled. This commitment is seen as a clear indication of the club’s intent to pursue long-term stability and structured development under Davids’ stewardship.

As part of the renewal process, Davids has submitted several proposals to the club’s management outlining key areas he wants addressed before committing to a new deal. Central to his demands is strengthening the squad, particularly in areas that proved problematic throughout the season.

“After the derby against Yanga, I made it clear I would present my proposals to the leadership,” Davids was quoted as saying. “If what they want aligns with what I need to build a strong team, then we will move forward together.”

The proposed new deal is not limited to Davids alone. It also includes negotiations involving his entire backroom staff, including his assistant coach, fitness coach, and video analyst - all of whom were brought in as part of his technical setup.

While discussions continue behind closed doors, Simba have also embarked on an aggressive squad restructuring exercise aimed at laying a stronger foundation for next season’s campaign in the Mainland Premier League and continental competitions.

Following the departure of Congolese midfielder Fabrice Ngoma, the club is now reportedly set to part ways with Nigerian midfielder Augustine Okejepha. 

Okejepha, who joined Simba ahead of the 2023/2024 season after an impressive run in Nigeria where he was named the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), failed to live up to expectations in Tanzania.

Despite being seen as a promising addition to the midfield, Okejepha struggled to adapt and cement his place in the starting XI. His underwhelming performances and lack of consistent game time have led the technical bench, under Davids, to reconsider his role within the squad.

This decision highlights Simba’s intent to make decisive changes in areas that have hindered their pursuit of major titles in recent years. 

The club has now gone four consecutive seasons without lifting the Premier League trophy   a situation that has sparked significant pressure from fans and stakeholders alike.

Davids is said to be determined to build a new-look team that can mount a serious title challenge both domestically and in CAF competitions. His tactical acumen, discipline, and emphasis on modern football techniques have won him admirers within the club’s hierarchy, reinforcing their desire to keep him at the helm.