SIMBA SC has received a significant boost ahead of the club's crucial Premier League match against long-time rivals Young Africans SC given the former's first-choice goalkeeper Ayoub Lakred is confirmed to be available for the clash.

The clubs will lock horns in the duel slated to be played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam tomorrow.

Lakred’s return comes after he missed the previous two games against Mashujaa FC in the CRDB Federation Cup Round of 16 and Ihefu SC in the NBC Premier League.

Aishi Manula filled his position in the first-round league encounter against Yanga, which ended with Simba SC succumbing to a 5-1 loss.

Lakred was also absent during the Community Shield tournament’s match between Simba SC and Yanga in Tanga, and Ally Salim took over in goal and helped Simba secure victory through penalties.

Lakred’s two-match absence stemmed from a personal tragedy. He lost his uncle while Simba SC was facing Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League last eight's return leg held in Egypt.

The Msimbazi Street club's leadership granted him compassionate leave to return to Morocco following the loss of his family member.

Lakred has consistently impressed in the matches he has played, particularly in the CAF Champions League.

His strong presence in goal is expected to significantly bolster Simba SC’s defense in the upcoming derby. His return undoubtedly instills confidence in the team as they aim to secure a win against their rivals.

The Msimbazi Street side has been diligently preparing in Zanzibar for the upcoming NBC Premier League game against Yanga and, during their training sessions, Lakred was seen actively participating with the rest of the squad.

Simba SC Information and Communication Manager, Ahmed Ally, officially confirmed the Moroccan shot-stopper’s readiness for the match, highlighting his involvement and preparedness within the team.

Meanwhile, Simba SC’s head coach Abdellah Benchikha has identified the team’s attacking force as a cause for concern during their recent preparations in Zanzibar.

Benchikha expressed dissatisfaction with the imbalance between the number of scoring opportunities created and the goals converted.

“There is no good balance between the chances they create and the number of goals which they score,” Benchikha remarked.

He acknowledged the responsibility of providing tactical guidance to his players, particularly in the upcoming matches, including the crucial Dar es Salaam derby against rivals Yanga.

Benchikha anticipates changes in the attacking strategy, emphasizing a more composed approach to utilizing scoring opportunities.

“This problem is not only for us but for a large percentage of the teams in the Tanzanian Premier League,” he said.

“We have to increase attention, we stay with the players to increase their methods and explain to them to be calm in that area,” Benchikha elaborated.

While acknowledging the need for long-term improvement beyond the current season, Benchikha stressed the importance of immediate focus on achieving the team’s goals.

This comes after Simba SC offloaded attackers Moses Phiri and Jean Baleke during the mini-transfer window, replacing them with Pa Omar Jobe and Freddy Michael.

Benchikha’s concerns highlight a critical area for Simba SC to address if they are to achieve success in the upcoming matches, including the highly-anticipated Dar es Salaam derby.

Whether the new signings can provide the necessary spark or tactical adjustments will be enough remains to be seen.