SIMBA Sports Club clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Tanzania Prisons FC in their NBC Premier League clash on Tuesday.

The game, played at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya, showcased Simba’s tactical discipline and resilience, allowing them to secure all three points in difficult conditions.

The only goal of the match came in the fifth minute, courtesy of central defender Che Malone Fondoh. His decisive strike followed a free-kick delivered by Kibu Denis, which Tanzania Prisons goalkeeper Mussa Mbisa mishandled, allowing Malone to pounce and put Simba ahead.

After the match, Simba’s head coach, Fadlu Davids, shared his thoughts on the team's performance, focusing on their ability to control the game despite the challenging conditions.

 “We were in total control. This match was about the basics because the field was not in the best condition. One cross, one second ball, one mistake in midfield could have created a chance for the opponent, but we didn’t give them any chances, so that is really good,” Davids said.

Davids also addressed the physical toll on his squad, noting the fatigue among key players like Mohamed Hussein ‘Tshabalala’ and Kibu Denis, who have had little rest since the start of the season.

 “It was a difficult game. You saw Mohamed Hussein and Kibu Denis, playing for the national team since the beginning of the season with no break. Every three days, they’re playing. They need rest. Now, we have another game in two days,” said the South African coach.

The coach voiced his frustration with the tight fixture schedule, particularly what he saw as an unfair advantage for their rivals, Young Africans.
 “You know, Young Africans had 20 days to play their six games, while we only have 18 days. They get extra two days, but we will go through. It’s about getting the basics right in such games, coming away from home, getting the points, and preparing for the next home game,” he said.

Despite his frustrations, Davids praised his team’s ability to adapt to the difficult playing conditions and emphasized the importance of grinding out results.
 “A fantastic performance. It wasn’t about playing combination football or keeping possession on this field; it was about creating clear-cut chances, and we did that. 

“Their goalkeeper, Mussa Mbisa, was fantastic, making some great saves. Sometimes, in such conditions, it’s not going to be pretty. It’s about the fight,” he added.

Davids also underlined the significance of collecting the three points under difficult circumstances.

 “Collecting the three points was crucial, and huge credit to the players today. One down, four to go before the FIFA break. I hope we can move that game closer to the end of the FIFA break,” he concluded.

The victory propelled Simba to 16 points, placing them in third on the NBC Premier League table after seven matches. While the win was narrow, it demonstrated Simba’s ability to secure results even under unfavorable conditions.

Simba dominated much of the game, pressuring the Tanzania Prisons defense and creating several scoring opportunities. However, they were thwarted time and again by Mbisa, whose outstanding goalkeeping kept the home side in the match, especially during the second half when Simba ramped up their efforts to extend the lead.

After the match, Simba immediately returned to Dar es Salaam to prepare for a packed schedule. Their next game is against Namungo FC tomorrow at the KMC Complex, followed by another home fixture on Sunday, October 27, against JKT Tanzania.

With two critical matches coming up in quick succession, Simba’s title challenge will be tested as they look to close the gap on the teams above them. Following these encounters, Simba will travel to face Mashujaa FC before returning home to play KMC FC on November 5.

As October comes to a close, Simba's endurance and squad depth will be pushed to the limit, but their strong performance against Tanzania Prisons provides them with a boost as they continue their push for the top of the table in the NBC Premier League.