SIMBA are making significant strides as they gear up for the upcoming season, with the club finalizing the signing of 20-year-old defensive midfielder Augustine Okejepha from Rivers United in Nigeria.

Okejepha, who has been a standout player for Rivers United, is set to sign a three-year contract with Simba, according to multiple sports media sources. 

This signing marks a notable addition to Simba’s roster as the club aims to strengthen its squad for the new season.

The player is said to have already said yes and ready for the move and both parties now are working to conclude the deal.

Okejepha will become the fourth Nigerian player to join Simba in recent years, following in the footsteps of Nelson Okwa, Victor Akpan, and Junior Lokosa. 

However, unlike his predecessors who struggled to make a significant impact, Okejepha arrives with high expectations after a stellar season with Rivers United, where he was a key player.

In addition to Okejepha, Simba are said to have also secured the services of Omary Omary from Mashujaa FC. 

Omary, a promising midfielder, has agreed to a two-year contract with the Msimbazi Street-based side. 

The 24-year-old had an impressive stint with Mashujaa FC last season, scoring four goals and providing two assists, showcasing his potential to be a valuable asset for Simba.

Simba’s recent signings reflect the club’s strategy of investing in young, local talent. The club has focused on players under the age of 25, aligning with its long-term goals. Omary will join a new generation of Simba stars, including Ali Salim, Israel Mwenda, Hussein Kazi, Lameck Lawi, Ladark Chasambi, Edwin Balua, and Saleh Karabaka, as the club looks to build a formidable team for the future.

This week is expected to be a busy period for Simba as they complete all registration processes ahead of their pre-season preparations. The team is set to travel to the Egyptian city of Ismailia at the beginning of July 2024 for a pre-season camp. 

This camp will be crucial for the squad’s preparation, especially amid the significant changes and high aspirations for a stronger performance in the upcoming season.

Simba’s preparations come on the heels of a season marked by instability and transition. The club ended the last season under the guidance of acting head coach Juma Mgunda, who stepped in following the departure of Abdelahak Benchika due to family reasons. 

Mgunda managed to steer the team through the remainder of the season but is set to join Coastal Union FC for the upcoming season, leaving Simba in need of a new head coach. 

The appointment of a new head coach is eagerly anticipated as the club aims to solidify its leadership and strategy.

The roster overhaul at Simba has also seen the departure of several key players, including Shabani Chilunda, Luis Jose Miquessonne, Kennedy Juma, Saido Ntibanzokiza, and long-time captain John Bocco. 

These moves indicate the club’s intention to refresh its squad and inject new talent, a strategy aimed at bolstering the team’s competitiveness.

As Simba head into the pre-season, the club’s management, led by the technical bench and the yet-to-be-announced head coach, will work on integrating the new signings and refining the team’s tactics. 

The pre-season camp in Ismailia will provide an opportunity for the players to build chemistry and for the coaching staff to assess the squad’s readiness.

Simba’s fans are hopeful that the club’s recent signings and strategic changes will translate into a successful season. 

With the addition of promising talents like Okejepha and Omary, coupled with a focused pre-season training program, Simba are poised to make a strong showing in the upcoming season.