IN a match that served as both a morale booster and a tactical test, Simba clinched third place in the Community Shield by defeating Coastal Union 1-0, thanks to an 11th-minute strike by attacking midfielder Saleh Karabaka.

The victory was a much-needed respite for Simba, who had previously lost to arch-rivals Young Africans in the semi-finals.

Simba’s coach, Fadlu Davids, made significant changes to the lineup that faced Young Africans, resting four key players and giving opportunities to younger talents. 

The tactical shift paid off early when Karabaka found the back of the net. The goal came from a well-orchestrated move, with Steven Mukwala delivering a cross that was cleverly flicked on by Joshua Mutale. 

Karabaka was in the right place at the right time, calmly slotting the ball past Coastal Union’s goalkeeper, Chuma Ramadhani.

Despite controlling much of the game and creating several scoring chances, Simba struggled to extend their lead. Coastal Union, though on the back foot for most of the first half, mounted a spirited comeback after the break, launching several attacks on Simba’s goal. 

However, Simba’s defense, bolstered by the introduction of new players like Che Malone and Abdulrazak Hamza, held firm.

Following the match, Davids expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly in how they started the game. 

“This was our final preparation before the Premier League, and the game went well. We started strongly, which gave us control early on and created several scoring opportunities. We aimed for more shots on goal, and we succeeded in that. However, we didn’t capitalize on those chances. By halftime, it should have been 3-0 or even 5-0,” said Davids.

The match also highlighted the team’s depth, as Davids rotated his squad to give playing time to several new signings. 

“It’s important to note that we had eight new players in the starting lineup, including Mohamed Hussein ‘Tshabalala,’ Che Malone, and Saleh Karabaka, who wasn’t a regular starter last season. Despite Karabaka’s inexperience, he played well in the first half, but fatigue set in later on. This is understandable given the intensity of the game and the short turnaround time of just two days,” Davids added.

Simba’s coach also praised his team’s resilience, especially after midfielder Fabrice Ngoma received a second yellow card and was sent off in the second half. 

Ngoma will now miss the opening match of the Mainland Premier League against Tabora United due to suspension. 

“The match tested our ability to manage the game with ten men, revealing the players’ mentality,” Davids noted.

The win against Coastal Union, though not by a wide margin, provided a valuable lesson for the Simba squad as they prepare for the start of the league. The team’s focus, according to Davids, is on building a strong squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. 

“This match served as the perfect preparation for the season, highlighting areas where we need to tweak and refine our strategy. We’re focused on building a strong team for the start of the league, but our pre-season doesn’t end here. It’s an ongoing process to get the players to a fitness level where they can maintain our playing style for a full 90 minutes,” Davids said.

The South African tactician also emphasized the importance of improving the team’s finishing. 

“As for our final touch and scoring, that’s something we’ll continue to work on in training. We’re still refining the movements and runs, which is normal at this stage. In fact, we’re ahead of schedule in building this new team. We’ve gathered valuable insights from these two games, and we’ll use that information to develop a strategy that ensures consistency throughout the league season,” he added.

Simba will kick off their Premier League campaign on August 18 against Tabora United FC at the newly selected KMC Complex Stadium. This match is highly anticipated, as Simba look to make a strong start and reclaim the league title after finishing third last season.

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-season schedule also includes a potentially tricky encounter with Azam FC in the fourth round, a match that could have significant implications for Simba’s title aspirations.

Beyond the domestic league, Simba are also gearing up 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 season approaches, all eyes will be on Simba to see if they can translate their pre-season promise into silverware, starting with their Premier League opener and the crucial CAF Confederation League fixtures. 

With a blend of new talent and experienced players, the stage is set for Simba to make a statement in the 2024-25 season.