THERE was a time not too long ago when Ellie Mpanzu was one of the first names Simba Sports Club fans mentioned whenever danger loomed near an opponent’s penalty area. The Congolese attacking midfielder brought urgency, unpredictability and end product qualities that made him a central figure in Simba’s attacking rhythm. Goals came, assists followed, and his influence on games was unmistakable.

Today, the story feels very different. Inside the Simba camp, frustration has replaced excitement. Among fans, impatience has overtaken belief. For club leaders, concern has grown into quiet anxiety. Mpanzu (pictured), once viewed as a solution, is now being spoken about as a problem. His sharp decline in form has raised uncomfortable questions, not only about his future at the club but also about Simba’s ability to manage and revive key assets when circumstances change.

The warning signs are already there. Complaints and accusations have grown louder with every match, feeding fears that if nothing changes soon, Mpanzu could slowly fade out of the Simba picture altogether.

Mpanzu joined Simba in October 2024, signing a two-year contract that runs until the end of the current season. Because the main transfer window had already closed, he had to wait until the mini transfer window to make his competitive debut. When that moment finally arrived, the impact was immediate.

In his early months, Mpanzu looked like a player perfectly suited to Simba’s ambitions. He was decisive around the box, fearless in one on one situations, and often involved directly in goals. Whether finishing chances himself or creating space for teammates, he added an attacking edge that Simba had been searching for.

Opponents struggled to contain him. Supporters embraced him. Confidence flowed naturally.

But football, as Mpanzu is learning the hard way, can turn quickly.

Fast forward to the present, and the contrast is stark. Mpanzu still finds himself in promising positions, but the final touch is missing. Chances go begging. Defenders dispossess him with growing ease. His movements, once clever and explosive, now appear predictable, allowing opponents to read his intentions early.

Criticism has followed. Fans accuse him of losing possession too cheaply. Analysts point to his declining efficiency. The frustration is not only about missed goals, but about the feeling that the Mpanzu who once dictated attacking moments is no longer recognizable.

At the heart of the debate is one simple question: what changed?

 The Coaching Carousel

One major factor lies on the bench.

Mpanzu thrived under former head coach Fadlu Davids. Despite working with what many considered a modest squad, Davids built a system that elevated several players. His philosophy allowed creative midfielders freedom while providing them with structure and trust. Mpanzu flourished in that environment.

Then came disruption.

Davids’ sudden departure early in the season destabilized the squad. Dimitar Pantev took over briefly, lasting less than two months before Steve Barker assumed control. Each transition brought a shift in tactical philosophy, training methods, and expectations.

For a player whose strengths rely heavily on rhythm, confidence and clear tactical roles, these rapid changes proved costly. Mpanzu was not alone - many Simba players looked ordinary under the weight of constant adjustment - but as an attacking midfielder, his struggles were far more visible.

Missed Preparations and Lingering Effects

Off the pitch, things did not help either.

Mpanzu joined Simba’s pre-season preparations late due to unresolved financial matters between him and the club. Missing pre-season is a significant setback for any player, especially in a team competing on multiple fronts at the highest level.

Although he attempted to bridge the gap through individual training under coach Mohamed Mrishona, popularly known as “Xavi,” the effects of that delayed start remain evident. Match fitness, sharpness and chemistry cannot be rebuilt overnight.

Football punishes small margins, and Mpanzu has been paying that price ever since.

Transfer Noise and Mental Pressure

As he fought to regain form, fresh distractions emerged. Reports surfaced linking him with a potential move to Young Africans SC. While those rumours were never confirmed, the noise alone was enough to disrupt focus.

For a player in need of psychological stability, such speculation only adds weight. Confidence, already fragile, becomes harder to rebuild amid uncertainty.

Inside Simba, whispers also emerged claims that Mpanzu was being misused, targeted, or even undermined. Such narratives are not uncommon in Tanzanian football, but their impact on a player’s mindset can be damaging. In an environment filled with suspicion, belief fades quickly.

 The Weight of Expectations

Perhaps the heaviest burden Mpanzu carries now is the pressure from the stands.

Every touch is scrutinized. Every misplaced pass draws groans. Mistakes feel amplified, even when the team as a whole is struggling for consistency. In such moments, creativity suffers. Players begin to play safe, avoiding risks that once defined their game.

Last season, Mpanzu operated within a well-balanced structure. Mohammed Hussein “Tshabalala” offered security behind him. Fabrice Ngoma and Jean Charles Ahoua controlled the midfield, while Yusuf Kagoma added balance. That setup gave Mpanzu freedom to express himself.

This season, many of those pillars are gone or have lost their starting places. Mpanzu is rebuilding chemistry with new teammates, a process that demands time and patience luxuries that Simba rarely afford.

Numbers That Tell the Story

Statistics underline the struggle. In the CAF Champions League, Mpanzu has scored just one goal in eight matches, without registering an assist. In the Premier League, he has one goal and three assists.

Compared to last season, when he contributed to multiple goals within a shorter span, the drop off is clear and concerning.

What Next for Mpanzu and Simba?

Despite everything, the talent has not disappeared. What Mpanzu lacks right now is not ability, but stability tactical, psychological, and institutional.

Simba face a critical decision. Do they protect the player, reduce the pressure, and engage in honest dialogue with the technical bench to restore confidence? Or do they quietly accept that the club is already preparing for life without him, as some interpret the arrival of Anicet Oura?

Handled well, competition could push Mpanzu back to his best. Handled poorly, it could bury him under even more pressure.

As his contract nears its end, the clock is ticking. The question remains: does Simba still believe in Ellie Mpanzu, or has patience already run out?

Only the coming months will tell whether this story becomes one of revival or regret.