SIMBA SC striker Leonel Ateba has vowed to enhance his performances and help his team achieve their season objectives, including reclaiming the Premier League title.

Ahead of their match yesterday against Tanzania Prisons, the Msimbazi Reds sat second in the league following a 1-1 draw with Fountain Gate FC last week, a result that allowed Young Africans to take the lead with 45 points to Simba’s 44.

Ateba (pictured), who joined Simba from USM Alger at the start of the season, has quickly become a fan favourite. The Cameroonian forward has been impressive both domestically and on the continental stage, boasting commendable statistics.

In the CAF Confederation Cup, Ateba has recorded three goals and one assist in eight appearances. Meanwhile, in the Tanzanian Premier League, he has netted eight goals and provided two assists in 13 games, 11 of which he started.

He is one of the key players Simba will rely on as they continue their quest for the African competitions title, a trophy that has so far eluded them. 

Additionally, his experience from last season’s campaign with USMA, where he reached the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup, could prove invaluable in Simba’s pursuit of continental glory.

Before joining Simba, Ateba had a brief but productive spell at USM Alger. He made 12 appearances in the Algerian Ligue 1, scoring once and providing two assists. 

In the CAF Confederation Cup, he featured in seven matches, scoring three goals. Additionally, in the Coupe d'Algérie, he contributed two goals and two assists in four games.

As the knockout stages of African competitions approach, Ateba hopes to continue shining, knowing that strong performances could once again put him on the radar of the Cameroonian national team ahead of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The competition would not be new territory for the forward, as he was part of Rigobert Song's squad for the recent AFCON edition in Cote d'Ivoire. 

His call-up to the national team stemmed from his impressive performances in the Cameroonian league with Dynamo Club of Douala before moving to USM Alger.

Reflecting on his performances and ambitions, Ateba shared his personal and team goals for the season:

"When I arrived here, the club outlined its objectives for the season. I set my personal targets, which include finishing among the top three goal scorers in the league and securing at least one trophy. 

“We are competing in three competitions – the CAF Confederation Cup, the Tanzanian Premier League, and the Federation Cup – so winning one would be a great achievement.

"My aim is to finish the season with strong performances and impressive statistics, which will allow me to continue my journey here or explore better opportunities."

"I feel very comfortable at Simba. I love what I do, but I know that achieving my goals will require hard work and discipline."

Currently, Ateba is joint second in the race for the Golden Boot with eight goals after 17 Premier League rounds this season.

Ateba has been deployed in his natural center-forward position, unlike his time at USM Alger, where he often played as a winger, contributing more assists than goals.

He believes the team must continue pushing hard in the title race and is optimistic about reclaiming the top spot.

"I am delighted with our team’s performances this season. Even with some of our previous results, I am confident that we will soon regain our top position and find ways to maintain it. The morale in the camp is top-notch, which makes it easier for us to keep pushing for the title," he added.

With Simba determined to return to the summit of the league table, Ateba’s contributions will be crucial in their pursuit of domestic and continental success.