SIMBA Sports Club return to domestic action this week with renewed determination and a clear mission to revive their winning mentality and rebuild confidence after back to back defeats in the CAF Champions League group stage.

The Reds of Msimbazi landed back in Tanzania carrying the weight of a disappointing 2–1 loss to Stade Malien, a result that compounded an earlier defeat in the same competition and placed them under pressure in their continental campaign.

 The clash at Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako left Simba frustrated and reflective. Despite flashes of good play, the Tanzanian giants struggled to convert their chances and maintain their defensive organization issues that have increasingly haunted them in continental matches. The defeat also left the squad with little time to rest, as they must now quickly shift focus to the Mainland Premier League.

 Simba’s next assignment comes tomorrow, December 4, 2025, when they face Tabora United at the Ali Hassan Mwinyi Stadium in Tabora. The match presents an opportunity the team cannot afford to waste a chance to reset, regain rhythm, and reassure their supporters that the club remains firmly on course in domestic competitions.

 According to the technical bench, the return home has offered an important window for reflection. The coaching staff is now conducting a thorough assessment of the weaknesses exposed during the Champions League matches, with the aim of implementing swift tactical adjustments before the league encounter.

 “This is not the time to lament we must correct our errors, reorganize, and fight for the badge,” a member of the technical team confidentially shared during a post-match review session.

 The Premier League fixture could not have come at a better time. Back at home, Simba will focus on improving the chemistry within the squad, strengthening their defensive discipline, and sharpening the attacking transitions that have recently lacked precision. For the club’s passionate fan base, who have consistently stood behind the team, the upcoming match is a chance for redemption.

 Simba manager Dimitar Pantev (pictured) minced no words after the loss to Stade Malien. In a candid assessment delivered soon after the final whistle, he expressed deep disappointment with the team’s performance, particularly their inefficiency in front of goal and the overall drop in player standards.

 “We lost because the players performed below expectations. This has been a recurring problem for some time,” Pantev stated.His frustration was compounded by the fact that Simba, on paper, boast a stronger and more experienced squad than their Malian opponents, yet the quality failed to translate onto the pitch.

 “Our team is of higher quality than the opponents. I am not pleased with this outcome because we should have won this match,” he insisted.Pantev also highlighted the ongoing struggles within the attacking unit. Simba have now gone through multiple CAF Champions League games without scoring sufficiently, a pattern he believes must be urgently addressed.

 “We have challenges in our attacking line. Even in the previous CAF matches, we didn’t score. When I arrived, I found that we still lacked efficiency in finishing. If we cannot score, then we cannot win,” he added.

 His remarks reflect the growing concern among the leadership as Simba navigates a difficult phase in their continental journey. The back to back defeats leave the club under pressure to win their remaining group matches if they hope to progress to the quarter finals.

 The upcoming duel against Tabora United is therefore more than just a routine league fixture it is an emotional and psychological turning point. A win would calm nerves, restore belief, and set the tone ahead of tougher assignments in both domestic and continental competitions.

 Simba acknowledge that the Premier League remains essential to maintaining momentum. A positive result in Tabora would reaffirm the club’s ambition, steady the dressing room, and signal to supporters that the team is ready to fight back.

 For fans who have remained loyal through this challenging period, a convincing victory would be a welcome reassurance that the squad is committed to correcting mistakes and delivering performances worthy of Simba’s stature.