SIMBA Sports Club have confirmed that winger Joshua Mutale sustained a hamstring injury during their recent Premier League match against Tabora United.

The match, held at the KMC Complex, saw Simba secure a 3-0 victory, but the win was overshadowed by Mutale's injury, which forced him off the field for treatment.

Dr. Edwin Kagabo, Simba’s medical officer, provided an update on Mutale’s condition, revealing that the player has already received initial treatment. 

“We have done the initial treatment for Mutale and are continuing to monitor his condition. Further examination of the injury will be completed within the next 48 hours,” Dr. Kagabo stated.

While the full extent of the injury is yet to be determined, Dr. Kagabo reassured fans that it does not appear to be severe. 

“It doesn’t seem to be very serious, and I believe he will recover soon and rejoin the team," he added.

Simba’s medical team is hopeful that Mutale’s recovery will be swift, but the club will take all necessary precautions to ensure that he returns to full fitness before rejoining the squad. 

The injury comes at a crucial time for Simba as they prepare for their second Premier League match against Fountain Gate FC, scheduled for Sunday, August 25, at the KMC Complex.

The Simba squad has resumed training as they gear up for this important fixture. The team is eager to build on their strong start to the season, with the victory over Tabora United providing a solid foundation. 

Coach Fadlu Davids is expected to fine-tune his tactics and ensure that the team is in top shape for the upcoming challenges.

In a related development, Simba’s new striker, Leonel Ateba, is ready to make his debut after receiving the necessary clearances to play in the Tanzanian league. 

The club’s information and communication manager, Ahmed Ally, confirmed that all the paperwork for Ateba’s registration has been completed, paving the way for his inclusion in the squad for the match against Fountain Gate.

“The management has already completed all the permit procedures for our new striker Ateba, and fans can expect to see him on the field in the next game,” Ally said.

Ateba’s arrival is seen as a significant boost to Simba’s attacking options, especially after the decision to part ways with striker Freddy Michael Kouablan. 

Kouablan, who had been with the club for a brief period, is now expected to continue his career elsewhere. Reports suggest that he could be heading to Algeria, where USM Alger, coached by former Simba boss Abdelhak Benchikha, has shown interest in acquiring his services. 

This potential move would offer Kouablan a fresh start and an opportunity to prove his worth in a different competitive environment.

As Simba look ahead to their upcoming fixtures, they face a series of important matches that could shape their season. After the game against Fountain Gate FC, Simba will travel to Mbeya to take on Tanzania Prisons at the Sokoine Stadium on October 22. 

This away fixture is expected to be a stern test of Simba’s title credentials, with the team needing to secure points on the road to maintain their momentum.

The fixture list then brings Simba face-to-face with Azam FC in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter. Scheduled for the fourth round of the Premier League, this match could have significant implications for the title race, with both teams eager to assert their dominance early in the season.

Beyond their domestic league commitments, Simba are also focused on their upcoming campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup. The club is set to face the winner of the preliminary tie between Zanzibar’s Uhamiaji FC and Libya’s Al Ahly Tripoli in the second round of the competition. 

With Al Ahly Tripoli having already secured a 2-0 victory in the first leg, it appears likely that Simba will face the Libyan side in the next round.

The CAF Confederation Cup is a priority for Simba as they aim to make a strong impact on the continental stage. Success in this competition would not only enhance the club’s reputation but also provide valuable experience for the squad as they seek to establish themselves as one of Africa’s best football clubs.