SIMBA SC will look to carry their impressive momentum from continental success into domestic competition as they take on bottom-placed KenGold FC in the Premier League today at the KMC Stadium Complex.

Kick-off is set for 4:00 PM local time at the KMC Complex. 

The Msimbazi Street-based side enter the fixture on a high after a dramatic 2-1 victory over CS Sfaxien at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in the CAF Confederation Cup. The win further cemented their continental aspirations, but the focus now shifts to their Premier League campaign, where they have been in outstanding form.

Simba head coach Fadlu Davids (pictured) acknowledged the challenge that KenGold could pose despite their struggles this season. 

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Davids said: “This match will not be easy. A side like KenGold has nothing to lose against a team like Simba. In their last match against Namungo FC, they managed to score two goals and showed their quality.”

He continued: “We are in very good form in the league currently, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need to improve in certain areas. We must remain focused and approach every match with caution.”

Davids also took the opportunity to rally the club’s passionate supporters, urging them to fill the stands. 

“I would like to call upon our fans to come to the stadium. Their presence gives us energy and motivates the team to push even harder,” he said.

Simba have enjoyed a solid domestic campaign so far. The team has won five of their last six league matches and remains unbeaten in their last five games across all competitions. 

They sit in third place on the league table with 28 points after 11 matches, having won eight, drawn four, and lost just one.

A victory against KenGold would see Simba temporarily reclaim the top spot in the Premier League. League leaders Azam FC currently have 30 points from 14 matches, followed closely by Singida Black Stars, who also have 30 points but an inferior goal difference. 

However, both teams have played three more games than Simba, giving the Msimbazi giants a crucial opportunity to take the lead.

Meanwhile, KenGold have endured a torrid start to their Premier League campaign. They sit at the bottom of the table in 16th position with just six points from 14 matches. 

The team has won only once this season, drawn three games, and suffered 10 defeats. Despite their struggles, their recent 2-2 draw with Namungo FC showcased glimpses of potential, particularly in attack.

Simba fans have an added reason to celebrate ahead of today’s clash, as winger Elie Mpanzu is set to make his much-anticipated debut. 

Mpanzu, whose signing was finalized in September, has now been officially registered following the opening of the January transfer window on December 16.

Local reports suggest that Simba have moved quickly to secure Mpanzu’s place in their squad, utilizing the registration window to bring him into domestic competition. 

The Congolese winger is expected to replace Moroccan goalkeeper Ayoub Lakred, who will no longer be part of the team’s CAF Confederation Cup squad in January.

Mpanzu’s addition comes at a critical juncture for Simba as they aim to maintain their title challenge in the Premier League and progress in the CAF Confederation Cup. 

Fans have eagerly awaited his debut, and there is growing anticipation that he could provide the attacking spark the team needs to dismantle KenGold.

Given the disparity between the two sides, Simba will enter the match as overwhelming favourites. Their superior form and quality will pose a significant challenge for KenGold, who have struggled defensively throughout the season. 

The bottom-placed side will need to be at their very best to avoid a heavy defeat.

For Simba, this match represents an opportunity to solidify their position at the top end of the league table and build confidence ahead of a demanding stretch of fixtures. 

A win would extend their unbeaten run and send a strong message to their title rivals, Azam FC and Singida Black Stars.

Simba will be looking to capitalize on their excellent recent form, while KenGold will fight to avoid yet another setback in what has been a challenging campaign.