SIMBA Sports Club, currently in Egypt for pre-season training, has made significant changes to its squad, especially in the midfield, as they prepare for the 2024/2025 campaign. Only two midfielders from last season, Fabrice Ngoma and Mzamiru Yassin, remain on the team.

To bolster their midfield, Simba have signed five new players: Yusuph Kagoma, Augustine Okejepha, Debora Mavumbo, Jean Charles Ahoua, and Omary Omary. Additionally, Awesu Awesu is reportedly set to join the club soon. These additions bring the total number of midfielders to eight, marking a significant shift from the previous season.

To accommodate the new recruits, Simba parted ways with several midfielders, including Sadio Kanoute, Babacar Sarr, Clatous Chama, and Saido Ntibanzokiza. This overhaul reflects the club’s ambition to strengthen its squad and improve its performance in the upcoming season.

Yusuph Kagoma (pictured), one of the new signings, acknowledged the intense competition within the team due to the increased squad depth. However, he remains undeterred and is determined to earn his place on the team.

“There is always talk about the number of players in a squad, but that doesn’t bother me. I am here to work hard and convince the technical bench to give me a chance,” Kagoma said.

Discussing the upcoming season, Kagoma expressed confidence in the team’s prospects, citing the quality and strength of the squad. 

“I believe we will do well because of the quality and strength we have. Competition is inevitable when you have many players, but that’s what makes a team stronger,” he stated.

“Personally, I am not afraid of competition. We are all here to fight and help the team succeed. Simba SC fans have high hopes this season, and we plan to make sure we bring them happiness,” Kagoma added.

Kagoma also shared his excitement about joining Simba, a dream he has harbored since childhood. 

“Choosing Simba was an easy decision for me. Playing for Simba has been a dream of mine since I was a child, and when the opportunity came, I didn’t hesitate,” he said.

Similarly, Nigerian midfielder Augustine Okejepha, another new addition to the squad, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s preparations in Ismailia, Egypt. Despite being new to the team, he praised the warm welcome he received from his teammates, which has boosted his confidence.

“I feel at home because I have been well-received by my colleagues. The preparations are going well, and all the players are showing their determination to fight for the team next season,” Okejepha remarked.

Okejepha joined Simba from Rivers United in Nigeria and has previously played for Kano Pillars and Warri Wolves FC. Reflecting on the pre-season training, he noted the positive atmosphere within the team.

“Since we started training for the new season, the motivation has been great. This includes the players, the technical bench, and the leaders. Everything is going well, and the leaders have been with us shoulder to shoulder, ensuring we give our best for the fans. I believe the next season will be good, and what makes me proud is how everyone is performing in practice,” Okejepha added.

Simba’s ambitious revamp of their midfield is a clear signal of their intent to dominate the upcoming season. With the new signings, the team is poised to bring a fresh dynamic to their gameplay, aiming to meet the high expectations of their fans and secure success in the 2024/2025 campaign.