SIMBA SC have continued talks to sign Zambia's midfield duo of Joshua Mutale and Kelvin Kapumbu as a continuation of squad reinforcement for the 2024/25 season.

The Msimbazi Street-based club finished third in the just-ended Premier League, the worst finish for the club in the past five years, and, with the club now slated for the CAF Confederation Cup, reinforcement has begun. 

It is the second time Simba are linked with the 28-year-old Kapumbu - now with Zesco United - after failing to reach an agreement with the baller two years ago when he was at Zanaco FC. 

Kapumbu is set to be a free agent from June 30 when his current deal with Zesco United, former Zambia Super League champions, runs out. 

Simba are aiming to strengthen the club's defensive midfield with the recruitment of Kapumbu, who also turns out for Zambia’s national squad- Chipolopolo.

The footballer is expected to vie for the central defensive midfield place with the team’s midfielders Babacar Sarr, Fabrice Ngoma, and Mzamiru Yassin. 

The Premier League outfit is concerned with vulnerability in defensive midfield, a problem that embarrassingly exposed the side in many big games, including the outfit’s 5-1 loss to rivals Young Africans in the domestic league. 

Simba have conceded many goals from the central defensive midfield whenever the side was caught in counter-attack transitions and now believe Kapumbu's prowess will bring about compactness in the area. 

Speaking about the ongoing reinforcement, Simba’s Media and Communication Manager Ahmed Ally noted the club is working on bringing in new players, adding that some will be released to revamp the squad. 

"Yes, we are working overnight to build a new Simba, under the leadership of Mohamed Dewji as the chairman of the club’s Board of Directors. We want to restore the glory days we previously enjoyed for three seasons,” the official stated. 

"This season, we will bring in proven players that will directly come in and ensure we challenge for the title in the Premier League and other competitions. We will begin with footballers that are leaving, we have begun this Monday to reveal the released players," he said.

 "Then we will let the public know all players whose contracts have been extended. We will later have the final revealing of new players who will strengthen our squad for next season," Ally noted. 

According to media reports in Zambia, Simba are on the verge of roping in Mutale from Power Dynamos - with a contract set to be signed in Zambia. 

Mutale is believed to have agreed to a three-year deal which will see him stay with the Msimbazi Street-based side until June 2027. 

The fast winger has been a vital player for the Zambian club, nicknamed Aba Yellow, in the past few seasons including the league-winning 2022/23 campaign. 

He will link up with compatriot Clatous Chama who is already on the books of Simba. 

Mutale is set to add competition in Simba’s flanks - battling for selection for the first-choice side with Willy Onana, Luis Miquissone, Ladaki Chasambi, and Edwin Balua. 

Simba spotted Mutale last season when the club confronted Power Dynamos in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round of qualifiers.