SIMBA SC have officially confirmed the signing of Cameroonian striker Lionel Ateba, who is set to make his debut in the club's opening match of the 2024/2025 NBC Premier League against Tabora United at KMC Stadium this Sunday.

The Msimbazi giants secured Ateba's services on a two-year contract after the forward spent only six months with Algerian side USM Alger. 

Simba reportedly paid a transfer fee of $200,000 to bring the striker to Dar es Salaam, aligning with head coach Fadlu Davids’ plans to strengthen the team's attacking options.

Simba's information and communication manager, Ahmed Ally, confirmed that Ateba (pictured) will join the squad in time for the first match of the season. 

"Ateba will arrive to start the first game of the season after having a full pre-season training camp with USMA. His fitness will be valuable to the club from the very first match," Ally stated.

The club has been actively looking to reinforce its attacking department, and the move follows extensive discussions between Davids and the management. 

"Coach Davids is confident in the goalkeeping, defense, and midfield areas. However, he expressed the need to boost our attack. With Freddy Kouablan, Steven Mukwala, and Valentino Mashaka already on the roster, we believe Ateba will provide the additional firepower needed," Ally explained.

Ateba's addition comes after previous attempts to sign other strikers, including Ricky Banda from Red Arrows and Ethiopian forward Abubekir Nasir from Mamelodi Sundowns, fell through. 

Ateba's desire to play as a regular center forward rather than in a supporting role, as he did at USM Alger, helped finalize the deal.

The Cameroonian international has an impressive resume, having played for top clubs in his home country, such as Coton Sport, PWD Bamenda, and Dynamo Douala. 

He was also part of the Cameroon squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, although he did not feature in the tournament.

Since joining USMA in January, Ateba has made 12 appearances in the Algerian Ligue 1, scoring once and providing two assists. 

In the CAF Confederation Cup, he scored three goals in seven matches, and in the Coupe d'Algerie, he contributed two goals and two assists in four games.

With the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) limiting foreign players to a maximum of 12, Simba are expected to make some squad adjustments. 

The expected departures of Kouablan and another foreign player, Ayoub Lakred, will accommodate Ateba's inclusion, bringing the squad in line with the TFF regulations.

Ateba’s arrival is highly anticipated as Simba aim to solidify their attacking prowess for the upcoming season. Fans will be eager to see how the Cameroonian striker will impact the club’s quest for success both domestically and in continental competitions.