SIMBA Sports Club have begun a major squad overhaul ahead of the new season, signaling the end of an era for several key players and the beginning of an aggressive recruitment campaign aimed at rebuilding a competitive team for domestic and continental success.

So far, two prominent names have already parted ways with the Msimbazi Street side, including Congolese midfielder Fabrice Ngoma (pictured), who joined Simba with high expectations and has now officially bid farewell to the club and its supporters after his contract expired. 

Sources indicate that Ngoma did not wait for a formal “Thank You” note or extension negotiations after talks to renew his deal fell through.

Joining Ngoma on the exit list is goalkeeper Aishi Manula, a longtime servant of the club and a pillar in Simba’s recent campaigns both in the Mainland Premier League and CAF competitions. 

Manula is reported to have signed a contract with rivals Azam FC, with the official announcement from the Chamazi-based club expected soon. His move marks a significant shift in the Simba squad, considering his leadership role and years of service.

Beyond Ngoma and Manula, the club is reportedly preparing to release several other players who have either failed to secure consistent playing time or are deemed surplus to technical requirements. 

Simba’s technical bench is also assessing players who, despite their limited contributions in the past season, might have potential value in the future. 

Such players are likely to be sent out on loan to gain experience and playing time elsewhere. Names on this list include Edwin Balua, Ladark Chasambi, Omary Omary, Ali Salim, and Valentino Mashaka.

Meanwhile, the club is also considering parting ways with some players who were part of the first-team setup last season but are not part of the long-term plan due to strategic technical adjustments. 

For instance, Cameroonian defender Che Malone Fondoh has reached the end of his contract, and although his performance was decent, insiders suggest he may not be offered a new deal as the club seeks to invest in a new central defender.

Midfield dynamo Augustine Okejepha, another regular feature in Simba's midfield, has reportedly been placed on the transfer list. Similarly, Ugandan forward Steven Mukwala could be heading for the exit after it emerged that Simba has received offers for the striker from clubs abroad. 

The club’s decision on Mukwala is likely to be influenced by the quality of the incoming offers and the availability of a suitable replacement.

In terms of goalkeeping, Simba are looking to sign two new shot-stoppers, with plans in place to bring in one local and one foreign goalkeeper. This move suggests that Guinean goalkeeper Moussa Camara might also be released or demoted, making way for fresh talent between the posts.

With these exits and potential loan moves, Simba are clearly gearing up for a major rebuilding project aimed at restoring their dominance in the Premier League and making a deeper run in the CAF Confederation Cup. 

Club insiders have indicated that next week will be critical in determining the full list of departures and arrivals, as Simba aim to complete their transfer business before the team heads into pre-season training camp.

The overhaul reflects the club’s ambition to build a younger, more dynamic, and technically adept squad that can match the evolving demands of modern football. 

After falling short in both domestic and continental competitions last season, Simba’s leadership, led by the technical director and the new coaching staff, is under pressure to deliver results - and that begins with crafting a winning squad.

While fans may be emotional over the exit of longtime figures like Manula and Ngoma, there is growing anticipation about the new faces that will don the red jersey. 

Simba are expected to officially unveil new signings in the coming days, once negotiations and paperwork are finalized.