FADLU Davids, formerly the assistant coach at Raja Athletic Club, is close to joining Simba SC as the head coach on a two-year contract.

The South African soccer gaffer, who is set to take on his new role ahead of the upcoming season, has impressed the Simba hierarchy with his coaching skills and experience.

Davids brings a well-rounded technical team to Simba, including Darian Wilken as his assistant, Mueez Kajee as the performance analyst, and Riedoh Berdien as the strength and conditioning coach. Additionally, Wayne Sandilands is expected to join as the goalkeeping coach. 

This new staff will arrive in Dar es Salaam today to commence pre-season preparations with the Msimbazi Street-based side.

Simba have been in search of a new coaching team following the departure of Algerian coach Abdelhak Benchikha in April. The gaffer, who spent five months with the Wekundu wa Msimbazi, left the club for family reasons. 

Sources indicate that the 43-year-old coach emerged as the frontrunner for the job and is expected to join the club in time for the pre-season, which begins on July 5.

Davids’ appointment follows his successful tenure as assistant coach at Raja in Morocco, where he played a crucial role in securing both the league title and the Throne Cup. 

His coaching career also includes a stint as head coach at Maritzburg United and working alongside German coach Josef Zinnbauer at Orlando Pirates and Lokomotiv Moscow.

The appointment of Davids, a retired football striker and the two-time highest goalscorer in the South African National First Division, marks a significant milestone in his coaching career as he takes on the challenge of leading a prominent African club. 

Simba, renowned for their passionate fan base and competitive spirit, are eager to leverage Davids’ tactical acumen and leadership qualities to further their ambitions in both domestic and continental competitions.

Details of Davids’ contract and an official announcement are expected to be released shortly, following the conclusion of discussions between him and Simba’s management.

This coaching change comes at a critical time for Simba, as they aim to reclaim the Premier League title from their long-time rivals, Young Africans.

Young Africans have dominated the Premier League for the past three seasons, and the new coach of Simba will be tasked with ending this streak.

In a significant move, Young Africans recently signed Simba’s talisman Clatous Chota Chama, signaling their intent to continue their dominance in Tanzanian football.

In preparation for the next season’s campaign, Simba have officially announced the signings of Lameck Lawi from Coastal Union, Joshua Mutale from Power Dynamos (Zambia), Steven Mukwala from Asante Kotoko (Ghana), and Jean Charles Ahoua from Stella Club d’Adjame (Ivory Coast). 

The club is expected to announce additional player signings before heading to Egypt for pre-season training.

Simba have also released several players, including Henock Inonga, Saidi Ntibanzokiza, Shabani Chilunda, Kennedy Juma, and Clatous Chama, as part of their squad overhaul for the upcoming season.

With these changes, Simba are gearing up for a challenging and competitive season, aiming to reclaim their position at the pinnacle of Tanzanian football. 

The club’s management and fans are hopeful that the new technical team led by Davids will bring fresh energy and strategic expertise to drive the team towards success.