SIMBA SC return to Tanzania Mainland Premier League action tonight with a crucial away fixture against KMC FC at the KMC Complex, as the Msimbazi Street giants look to steady their season following a demanding run on both domestic and continental fronts. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00pm.

Coming off an intense CAF Champions League campaign, Simba are now shifting full focus back to the league, where they are determined to close the gap on the early pace-setters. Head coach Steve Barker has called for “maximum intensity” from his players as they aim to restore momentum.

“I think the important part for us as a team is the intensity we want to play with regardless of the competition,” Barker said during the pre-match press conference. “If we want to be successful, we have a certain identity, and one of them is playing with intensity no matter the opposition.”

Historically, Simba have enjoyed the upper hand against KMC, winning three of their last five league meetings, with the other two ending in draws. Last season, the Wekundu wa Msimbazi recorded an emphatic 4–0 victory over KMC, although the sides also shared a dramatic 2–2 draw in the 2023/24 campaign.

Despite the favourable head-to-head record, Simba arrive seeking consistency. In their last five outings across the Premier League and CAF Champions League, they have managed just one win, alongside draws against Mtibwa Sugar, Esperance de Tunis and Petro de Luanda, and defeats to Azam FC and Esperance away.

Barker believes the results do not fully reflect the progress within the squad.

“There are encouraging signs in the team. The players are putting in a lot of effort and are committed to turning things around. That gives me confidence as we approach these matches,” he said.

He also warned against underestimating KMC, who are battling near the bottom of the standings.

“Tomorrow’s match will not be easy. Teams in difficult positions are often the most dangerous. They will fight hard, and we have prepared with maximum seriousness to get a positive result,” Barker added.

From the players’ camp, right-back David Kameta, popularly known as Duchu, stressed the importance of collecting maximum points.

“We know it will be tough, but we need this win. We are not in a comfortable position on the table, so victory is important to restore confidence and put us back on the right path,” Kameta said.

Barker also addressed Simba’s attacking efficiency, saying improvement is already visible following adjustments made during the mini transfer window.

“We are starting to create more opportunities. It’s about belief and confidence in the final third. The squad is improving day by day and will soon restore joy and pride to our supporters,” he noted.

On the injury front, Simba will be without Nangu, who is set to undergo surgery for a serious Achilles tendon injury. However, there was positive news as Yakoub Suleiman has returned to light gym work and is expected to resume field training within a week, with a target of being fully available by the end of the month.

Reflecting on Simba’s CAF Champions League experience, Barker admitted it has been a wake-up call.

“What happened in the Champions League has opened our eyes. Now our focus is to make sure we don’t drop points in the competitions that remain. Our target is to win matches consistently,” he said.

In the league, Simba currently sit seventh with 16 points from seven matches, having registered five wins, one draw and one defeat. Their position is deceptive, as they have games in hand compared to several rivals after continental commitments.

So far, Simba have scored 14 goals and conceded only four, giving them a healthy goal difference of +10. Their only league loss came in a 2–0 defeat to Azam FC, while their sole draw was a 1–1 stalemate against Mtibwa Sugar.

With the title race still wide open, tonight’s clash against KMC offers Simba a chance to begin a fresh chapter and translate their continental lessons into domestic success as fans await a strong response at the KMC Complex.