THE relationship between Simba Sports Club and former first-choice goalkeeper Aishi Manula is reportedly deteriorating.

The recent exclusion of Manula from the team's player introductions during the 2024/2025 Simba Day celebrations has fueled speculation about the future of the four-time Tanzanian Premier League champion with the club.

Manula's once-impregnable position as Simba's first-choice goalkeeper has significantly eroded over the past season in favor of Ayoub Lakred. The veteran shot-stopper made only four league appearances, two of which resulted in humiliating defeats, including the infamous 5-1 loss to arch-rivals Young Africans. 

His last appearance for the club came midway through the season in a shock 2-1 home defeat to Tanzania Prisons. Notably absent from the team for the remaining 15 league matches and overlooked for cup competitions, it's evident that Simba have moved on.

Manula, a cornerstone of Simba's recent successes, including four consecutive league titles and four quarter-final appearances in continental competitions, was conspicuous by his absence during the high-profile event of Simba Day. Although his name was eventually added to the list following intervention from his management, the initial snub has raised eyebrows and fueled rumors of a deteriorating relationship with the club.

Simba's media manager, Ahmed Ally, has attempted to quell the growing speculation by insisting that Manula remains a Simba player for another year. However, the club's decision to exclude him from the Simba Day event suggests that the situation is more complex than a simple contractual dispute.

Manula is in an awkward situation. He has a year left to run on his contract and could join a club of his choice on a free transfer next year, although he clearly prefers to move this off-season. Despite reassurances from club spokesperson Ally that the matter will be resolved, the recent signing of five goalkeepers, including three high-profile players, suggests otherwise.

The exclusion of Manula, Tanzania's number one goalkeeper, from the Simba Day event was a public humiliation that has further eroded the trust between the player and the club. The subsequent failure to acknowledge or rectify this mistake left a lot of questions to the fans, regarding Manula's contributions to the club.

This incident comes on the heels of John Bocco's controversial departure, highlighting a pattern of snubs towards club legends. Bocco’s forced transition from player to coach has left a bitter taste among fans and raised questions about the club's priorities. Even if Manula remains at Simba, the damage to his relationship with the club is irreparable. The shadow of this incident will undoubtedly affect his morale and performance, casting a long shadow over his future at the club.

It’s understandable that Simba would need to move on from even long-serving ballers like Manula. However, the way this transition has been handled, particularly in Manula’s case, has raised questions and concerns.

Ally, the club official, has been evasive about the reasons behind Manula’s exclusion from the pre-season trip to Egypt and his absence from the Simba Day preparations. While there may be justifiable explanations, the lack of transparency has created unnecessary speculation and potential damage to the player’s reputation. 

A player of Manula’s stature, who has earned the title of ‘Tanzania One,’ deserves open and respectful communication. Such ambiguous treatment can leave lasting emotional scars.

Manula is represented by professional management who handles his contractual affairs. In ideal situations, a club and a long-serving player like Manula would engage in open dialogue about their future, including potential loan moves to rejuvenate their careers before retirement. This approach fosters a sense of mutual respect and ensures a smooth transition when the player eventually leaves. 

If managed well, these departures can be amicable, with the player maintaining a positive relationship with the club. This is exemplified by the warm reception fans often give to former players, even when they compete against their old team.

Following the recent treatment of Manula during a Simba match versus APR, there have been widespread calls for the club to rectify the situation. Manula, a revered figure in Tanzanian football and a cornerstone of Simba's success, deserves to be treated with the utmost respect. His contributions to the club are undeniable, and the incident on Saturday has caused significant upset among fans. To mitigate the damage and preserve Manula's legacy, Simba should issue a public statement and reaffirm their appreciation for his services. This will help to restore harmony between the club and its supporters.

Meanwhile, the signing of Mousa Camara from Horoya AC signals a potential shift in the goalkeeping hierarchy at Simba. Long-term injuries to Lakred, whose contract expires next year and he may be on his way out during January, have forced a reshuffle of the squad. 

New signing Camara is set to establish himself as the number one goalkeeper, while Ally Salim and Abel Hussein will battle it out for the backup role. This shift in the goalkeeping hierarchy further suggests that 28-year-old goalkeeper Manula's time at the club could be coming to an end.