IN a significant move to bolster their attacking options, Simba SC have successfully signed Cameroonian striker Leonel Ateba from Algerian club USM Alger. With just three days remaining before the transfer window closes, Simba have made this acquisition as they aim to strengthen their squad for the upcoming 2024/2025 season.

The decision to bring Ateba on board aligns with the strategic vision of Simba’s head coach, Fadlu Davids, who has emphasized the need for additional firepower in the team’s attack. Simba have been actively seeking reinforcements, and Ateba, who has shown a keen interest in joining the Tanzanian giants, is expected to finalize his transfer once the agreement on his fee is completed.

Ateba's football journey has seen him play for several clubs in Cameroon, including Coton Sport, PWD Bamenda, and Dynamos Douala. His impressive performances earned him a spot in the Cameroon national team that competed in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. His arrival at Simba is expected to add depth and experience to the team’s attack, which is crucial as they prepare for a challenging season ahead.

However, Ateba’s signing may force Simba to make some tough decisions regarding their current foreign player quota. Reports suggest that either goalkeeper Ayoub Lakred, who is currently injured, or striker Freddy Michael Kouablan, could be released to make room for the new signing. This highlights the balancing act Simba must perform between maintaining squad depth and adhering to foreign player registration limits.

Simba SC’s information and communication manager, Ahmed Ally, confirmed Ateba's signing and provided insights into the club’s recent assessments following their participation in the Community Shield. According to Ally, the technical team, led by Davids, identified a need to enhance the attacking lineup after thoroughly evaluating the team's performance.

“Our defense has been solid, conceding very few goals,” said Ally. “However, the coach has observed that we need to strengthen our attack. We are in the final stages of securing the signature of a new striker who is on his way to join the squad.”

Ally also emphasized the club’s focus on finding a striker who complements the existing talents of Michael Kouablan and Steven Mukwala. 

“We have carefully considered the characteristics of Kouablan and Mukwala and realized the need for a top-class striker who can elevate our attacking play,” Ally added. “The new striker, Ateba, brings experience and quality despite his young age.”

As the club finalizes Ateba’s registration, attention will turn to the potential departure of one of the foreign players to accommodate the new signing. Lakred, who has been receiving treatment for an injury sustained during the pre-season training camp in Egypt, appears to be the most likely candidate for release. With the recent signing of Moussa Camara, Simba now have two foreign goalkeepers, making the decision to release one of them more straightforward.

The transfer news also comes at a challenging time for Simba midfielder Fabrice Ngoma. The Congolese international has struggled to secure a place in Davids’ first team since the coach’s arrival. Ngoma’s agent, Austine Mkandila, has hinted at the player’s dissatisfaction with his current situation, suggesting that Ngoma may seek to terminate his contract, which has one year remaining.

Mkandila’s comments reflect growing frustration within Ngoma’s camp, as the player has been relegated to the bench in favour of other midfield options like Mzamiru Yassin, Debora Fernandez, and Augustine Okejepha. Despite being given opportunities in the Community Shield matches, Ngoma’s position remains precarious, especially after receiving two yellow cards in the third-place match against Coastal Union, leading to his early exit.

As Simba navigate these roster changes, the club is also gearing up for the start of the Premier League. The Msimbazi Street-based side will kick off their campaign on August 18 against Tabora United FC at the newly designated KMC Complex Stadium. 

This match is highly anticipated, as Simba look to make a strong start to the season and reclaim the league title after finishing third last year.

Following the league opener, Simba will face Fountain Gate FC on August 25, also at the KMC Complex, before traveling to Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya for a clash with Tanzania Prisons on October 22. The early fixtures also include a potentially tricky encounter with Azam FC in the fourth round, a match that could have significant implications for Simba’s title ambitions.

In addition to their domestic league pursuits, Simba are preparing for the CAF Confederation Cup, where they will face either Zanzibar’s Uhamiaji FC or Al Ahly Tripoli of Libya in the preliminary second-round match. 

As the club continues to make strategic moves both on and off the pitch, the upcoming season promises to be a crucial one for Simba as they aim to achieve success on multiple fronts.