AS the current season draws to a close, Simba Sports Club’s leadership is strategically planning to secure the services of goalkeeper Ayoub Lakred, whose one-year contract with the club is set to expire.

Lakred, who currently is their number one goalkeeper, has been instrumental in Simba’s success and is among the top players slated to continue donning the club’s jersey for the upcoming season.

He joined the club last season from FAR Rabat of Morocco on a one-year deal after Aishi Manula picked an injury last season that kept him out over a year.

Insider sources within Simba’s hierarchy have disclosed that negotiations have already commenced with the player’s agency to finalize the contract extension. 

This move aligns with Simba’s vision to reinforce and strengthen the squad during the off-season, while also ensuring the retention of key players.

Simba has been proactive in securing the future of its squad, with several players already signing contract extensions. 

Notable among them are local talents such as Israel Mwenda, Mzamiru Yassin, and Kibu Denis, who are said to have committed to the club by renewing their contracts.

Ahmed Ally, the Simba SC’s information and communication manager, has emphasized the club’s commitment to retaining its top-performing players, including Lakred. 

He reiterated the club’s goal of maintaining a formidable squad capable of competing at the highest level.

“We will reveal our decision about the player’s future after the season ends. Nevertheless, as club officials, our main focus is to keep all of our best-performing players and our goalkeeper has been performing well,” he said.

In addition to securing the contracts of local players, Simba is also said to be in talks to extend the contracts of foreign stars such as Fabrice Ngoma, Sadio Kanoute, and Clatous Chama. 

While negotiations with Chama are still ongoing, the club remains optimistic about reaching a favorable outcome.