SIMBA Sports Club have announced the re-signing of their stalwart defensive midfielder, Mzamiru Yassin, to a new two-year contract. This decision comes as Yassin’s previous contract concluded at the end of the last season.

Recognizing his invaluable contributions on the field, the club’s technical team strongly recommended his retention, prompting the management to secure his services for an additional two years.

Yassin, who has been a pivotal figure at Simba for several seasons, expressed his enthusiasm about continuing his journey with the club. His commitment and performance have made him a fan favorite and a key player in Simba’s midfield. The club’s decision to extend his contract highlights their strategy of blending experienced players with new talent to maintain a competitive edge.

As the Msimbazi Street-based side are gearing up for a significant overhaul of their squad preparing for the upcoming season, the team is set to head to Egypt for an intensive pre-season training camp. The camp will include both current squad members and new signings, alongside the technical bench led by their new coach. 

The announcement was made by Ahmed Ally, the club’s information and communication officer, who emphasized the importance of this pre-season tour in building a cohesive and formidable team.

In another strategic move, Simba have confirmed the extension of Kibu Denis and Israel Patrick Mwenda’s contracts. 

Mwenda, a versatile defender capable of playing both right and left back, has been with the club since July 2021, after transferring from KMC. Initially on a one-year contract, Mwenda’s impressive performances have earned him a new two-year deal, extending his stay with Simba until 2027.

The club’s statement praised Mwenda’s abilities and potential, marking him as a crucial component of their plans for the 2024/25 season. 

“Israel is a young player who still has the strength to serve the team. We have high expectations for him and believe he will continue to be a valuable asset for another three years,” the statement read.

Simba have also decided to retain their reliable right back Shomari Kapombe by extending his contract for another year. This extension includes a performance-based clause that could see Kapombe remain with the club for an additional year if he continues to deliver on the field. 

Kapombe, who joined Simba from Azam FC in July 2017, has been instrumental in the team’s success, helping secure four Premier League titles and participating in numerous international competitions.

A source within Simba confirmed Kapombe’s contract extension, highlighting his discipline and dedication. 

“Kapombe is one of the native players who have the discipline to take care of their talents and standards. We are confident he will continue to contribute significantly to the team,” the source stated.

Despite facing a challenging season last year, which led to significant changes within the squad, Simba remain focused on reclaiming their dominance in Tanzanian football. 

The club has bid farewell to six players, including Luis Miquissone, Shabani Chilunda, Kennedy Juma, Henock Inonga, Saido Ntibanzokiza, and John Bocco, creating room for new talent to join the ranks.

These changes are part of Simba’s broader strategy to strengthen their squad as they aim for success in both the CAF Confederation Cup and the Mainland Tanzanian Premier League. The club’s ambition is to restore their dominance, which saw them win four consecutive Premier League titles from the 2018/19 season to the 2021/22 season. Since then, their long-time rivals, Young Africans, have taken over the league’s top spot.

Simba’s management is determined to bring back the glory days and has taken decisive steps to build a competitive team for the upcoming season. The pre-season camp in Egypt will be crucial for integrating new players and developing team chemistry under the guidance of the new coaching staff.

As Simba’s fans eagerly await the new season, the club’s recent signings and contract extensions signal a commitment to excellence and a clear vision for the future. With experienced players like Yassin and Kapombe, and promising talents like Mwenda on board, Simba are poised to tackle the challenges ahead and reclaim their position at the pinnacle of Tanzanian football.