SIMBA Sports Club head coach Steve Barker has criticized what he termed “anti-football” tactics after his side were held to a goalless draw by Dodoma Jiji FC in a fast paced Mainland Premier League encounter at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma.

The tightly contested match ended 0-0 despite Simba creating numerous scoring opportunities. However, the hosts’ disciplined defensive display ensured they walked away with a historic point against the Msimbazi giants. 

Speaking after the match, Barker (pictured) did not hide his frustration, particularly with what he described as deliberate time wasting and game management from the home side. 

“The coach said they would come and attack, but it was clear they were more focused on managing the game,” Barker said. “For me, football is not about killing time from early in the match. That is disappointing and, in my opinion, anti-football.” 

Despite his criticism of the opposition’s approach, the South African tactician was quick to defend his own players, insisting they delivered a performance worthy of victory. 

“I’m satisfied with my team’s performance. We played well enough to win the game,” he said. “It’s about small details in certain moments. If we improve those details and show the same commitment, we will win many more matches.” 

Simba entered the fixture with an overwhelming record against Dodoma Jiji. The two sides last met in the league on March 14, 2025, when Simba cruised to a 6-0 victory at KMC Complex in Mwenge. Since Dodoma Jiji gained promotion to the Premier League in the 2019/2020 season, they had lost all previous league meetings against Simba. 

The draw therefore marked Dodoma Jiji’s first ever point against Simba in the top flight - a significant milestone for the Capital side. Prior to this encounter, Dodoma Jiji had suffered 10 defeats in 10 matches against Simba, scoring only two goals and conceding 22. 

On the pitch, Simba dominated possession and pushed forward with intent, but their inability to convert clear cut chances proved costly. Barker emphasized the need for improved efficiency in front of goal. 

“We created enough opportunities,” he noted. “In matches like these, you must be clinical. It comes down to small margins - decision making, finishing, and concentration in key moments.” 

When asked about his attacking players, Barker declined to single out individuals, reiterating his confidence in the squad as a collective unit. 

“I said I’m satisfied with the team performance,” he stressed. “Football is about the group, not individuals. We win together and we learn together.” 

The result sees Dodoma Jiji remain sixth in the league standings with 21 points from 16 matches, having registered five wins, six draws and five defeats. They have scored 14 goals and conceded 15 this season. 

Simba, meanwhile, stay third with 23 points from 10 matches, recording seven wins, two draws and one defeat. They have netted 18 goals while conceding just four underlining their defensive solidity despite the stalemate.

 Attention now quickly shifts to the highly anticipated Dar es Salaam Derby against arch rivals Young Africans Sports Club, scheduled for Sunday, March 1, at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar. 

Barker made it clear that preparations for the derby will be handled with the same professionalism as any other fixture, though he acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion. 

“We will prepare like any other game. Obviously, we have matches close together, so recovery is important,” he explained. “Every game we play for three points  whether it’s here or against Young Africans. We came here to get three points and we tried our best.” 

The derby comes at a time when Young Africans sit top of the table with 28 points after a commanding 5-0 victory over JKT Tanzania earlier in the day. That result increases the stakes heading into one of Tanzanian football’s most anticipated clashes. 

Barker, however, remains confident. “It’s a big derby, and I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “We’ll go there to make sure we give our best performance and fight for the three points.” 

With momentum, pride and league positioning all on the line, Simba’s message is clear, recover quickly, sharpen the small details, and respond strongly when they step onto the pitch in Zanzibar.