SIMBA SC head coach Fadlu Davids lauded his team’s determination and adaptability following their 2-0 win against KenGold FC in a Premier League match played at the KMC Complex on Wednesday.

Despite a packed schedule, Davids expressed satisfaction with his players’ ability to secure the clean sheet and maintain their form.

“I give credit to KenGold FC; they challenged us,” Davids said after the match. “Just two days ago, we had a very intense CAF Confederation Cup game against CS Sfaxien. I’m happy with how my players approached this match, and keeping a clean sheet is a bonus.”

Davids emphasized the importance of performance in training as the basis for squad rotation. 

“It’s not just about giving players minutes; it’s about rewarding their hard work during training sessions,” he explained. “We missed Shomari Kapombe, who was replaced by Kelvin Kijili. Kapombe picked up a knock, and the medical team will assess him before our next match against Kagera Sugar.”

Acknowledging the tight schedule, Davids noted the physical demands on his squad. 

“It’s hard to prepare with just two days between matches, but we focus on recovery to keep the energy and momentum going,” he said.

Simba will face Kagera Sugar at Kaitaba Stadium tomorrow in another crucial league encounter. The team will then return to Dar es Salaam for a December 24 fixture against JKT Tanzania before traveling to Singida to face Singida Black Stars on December 28. 

The congested fixture list means Simba will play matches almost every three days as they close out 2024.

Cameroonian striker Lionel Ateba was the star of victory, scoring both goals to secure three points for Simba. Ateba opened the scoring with a precise penalty shot and added a second to seal the win, continuing his impressive form this season. His performance earned him the Man of the Match award, presented by league sponsor NBC Bank.

This marks Ateba’s second Man of the Match award this season. With five league goals, he now ranks third in the top scorers’ race, trailing Singida Black Stars’ Elvis Rupia, who leads with seven goals, and Suleiman Mwalimu, who has six. 

Ateba shares the third spot with his Simba teammate Jean Charles Ahoua, both of whom have scored five goals each.

Simba’s win against KenGold FC extends their remarkable league campaign, marked by consistent performances and strategic squad management. The team’s ability to balance domestic and continental commitments highlights their depth and resilience.

As they prepare for their upcoming clash against Kagera Sugar, Simba will look to maintain their momentum and strengthen their position in the league standings. 

With Ateba in fine form and Davids strategically rotating the squad, the team remains a formidable contender as the season progresses.

The match against Kagera Sugar promises to be a test of Simba’s endurance and tactical flexibility. With key players like Kapombe potentially sidelined, the coaching staff will need to carefully manage resources to navigate the demanding schedule.

Simba’s focus on recovery and preparation will be critical as they aim to finish the year on a high note.