SIMBA Sports Club have braced themselves for a stern test against Dodoma Jiji FC as they continue their Premier League campaign, with the club’s leadership and technical bench both acknowledging the magnitude of the challenge that lies ahead.

The Msimbazi Street giants will face Dodoma Jiji at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma today, a fixture the club believes will be far more demanding than their previous outing, where they secured a 2-0 victory over Tanzania Prisons. Despite coming into the match on the back of a confidence boosting win, Simba insist they are not underestimating their hosts.

Simba’s Head of Information and Communications, Ahmed Ally, has made it clear that the team is fully aware of the competitive edge Dodoma Jiji bring whenever the two sides meet. He stressed that Simba will approach the match with seriousness and respect, noting that recent history points to a difficult encounter.

“We expect a much tougher game against Dodoma Jiji,” Ally said. “If anyone thought the match against Prisons was intense, then they should be prepared for an even greater challenge. When you compare the quality and competitiveness of the two teams, Dodoma Jiji are currently at a higher level.”

Ally pointed to statistics from the past three seasons, revealing that Simba have often had to grind out narrow victories against Dodoma Jiji, frequently winning by a single goal margin. According to him, this pattern is not coincidental but rather a reflection of the discipline and organization of their opponents.

“We have beaten Dodoma Jiji by very slim margins, often 1-0, over several seasons. That is not luck; it shows how strong and disciplined they are,” he added.

He also acknowledged the added pressure of playing away at Jamhuri Stadium, where home supporters are expected to rally behind Dodoma Jiji and create a challenging atmosphere. Nonetheless, Ally emphasized that Simba’s objective remains unchanged - to collect all three points and maintain momentum in the title race.

Simba are currently determined to keep pace in the Premier League title chase, knowing that any slip up at this stage of the season could prove costly. Victory in Dodoma would not only strengthen their position on the table but also boost morale ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.

Beyond the Dodoma Jiji encounter, Simba have already shifted part of their focus to the highly anticipated Dar es Salaam Derby against arch rivals Young Africans SC, scheduled for March 1 in Zanzibar. The clash is expected to carry enormous significance, both in terms of pride and the championship race.
Head coach Steve Barker has begun meticulous preparations for the derby, carefully crafting a strategy aimed at outsmarting their traditional rivals. Barker understands the weight of the fixture and the intensity it brings, particularly with both sides pushing for league supremacy.

As part of his tactical blueprint, Barker is expected to rely heavily on several key players who have been instrumental in Simba’s recent performances. Among them is attacking midfielder Clatous Chama, widely regarded as the creative engine of the team. Chama’s ability to unlock defenses with precise passes and score crucial goals in high pressure matches makes him central to Simba’s ambitions.

The coach will also look to the pace and attacking drive of Inno Loemba and Anicet Oura, whose speed on the flanks can stretch opposition defenses and create early scoring opportunities. Their dynamism could prove vital in breaking down a well-organized Young Africans backline.

Striker Libasse Gueye is expected to spearhead the attack, tasked with converting chances inside the penalty area. His physical presence and composure in front of goal offer Simba a reliable focal point in decisive matches. Meanwhile, Selemani Mwalimu’s versatility adds depth and tactical flexibility to Barker’s setup.

Barker appears intent on blending creativity, speed, and clinical finishing as Simba gear up for a defining period in their season. However, before the derby spectacle unfolds, the immediate mission remains clear - overcome Dodoma Jiji and maintain the consistency required of title contenders.

With the league race tightening and high stakes fixtures looming, Simba’s resolve will be tested both in Dodoma and in the historic derby showdown in Zanzibar. For the Msimbazi Street side, the coming days could shape the trajectory of their campaign and define their pursuit of domestic glory.