IN a bid to reclaim their dominance in Tanzanian and international football, senior players of Simba Sports Club, including skipper Mohamed Hussein Zimbwe Jr and Shomari Kapombe, have expressed their determination to restore the club’s respect after three challenging seasons.

The experienced duo is optimistic about the recent player registrations made by the club’s leadership, believing that the quality of the new signings will help them regain their competitive edge.
“We have done a good preparation in the camp,” said Zimbwe Jr. “The recruits have shown their potential, and together we want to restore the honor of Simba SC by winning the championship and performing better in international competitions.”

Simba recently concluded their pre-season training in Ismailia, Egypt, where they played three friendly matches. The team secured victories against Saudi Arabia’s First Division side Al-Adalah, and Egyptian sides Telecom and Canal SC, which have boosted their confidence ahead of the new season.

Zimbwe Jr also praised the technical bench led by head coach Fadlu Davids for providing various methods and plans to ensure the team’s comfort and readiness. 

“We have a friendly game on Simba Day and a Community Shield game against Young Africans. These matches will give us the insight we need to start the season well. We are well-prepared,” he added.
Kapombe echoed his captain’s sentiments and called on the club’s fans and members to show up in large numbers on Simba Day to support their new players. 

“This season, we want it to be ours. The leaders have done a great job, and now it’s up to us players. Fans should come in abundance as usual to see their team,” said Kapombe.

The highly anticipated Simba Day festival is scheduled to take place tomorrow at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where Simba will play a friendly match against APR FC of Rwanda. The excitement around the event is palpable, with all 60,000 tickets for the stadium sold out well in advance of the festival, set for August 3.

Simba has once again set a record by filling the stadium days before the event itself. The platinum tickets were sold out on the first day of sales, followed closely by VIP A tickets. The high demand continued until all tickets were sold out, demonstrating the fervent support of Simba fans.

The ticket sales exercise began a week ago, and the response from Simba fans has been overwhelming, showcasing their unwavering dedication to the club. This overwhelming support is expected to provide a significant morale boost for the team as they aim for a successful season.

As Simba prepares to showcase its new squad and strategies, the anticipation is building among fans and players alike. The upcoming matches, including the friendly on Simba Day and the Community Shield semi-final against Young Africans, are seen as crucial opportunities for the team to gel and set the tone for the season.

With a blend of experienced players and promising recruits, Simba is poised to make a strong statement both domestically and in international competitions. The leadership and technical bench’s efforts, combined with the players’ determination, are aimed at restoring the club’s glory and delivering a memorable season for their loyal supporters.

As the countdown to Simba Day continues, the excitement among fans is reaching fever pitch. The sold-out Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is set to be a sea of red as supporters come together to celebrate their team and witness the unveiling of the new squad. The festive atmosphere and high expectations underline the significance of this event for Simba and their fans.

The journey to reclaiming the club’s former glory is underway, and the players are ready to give their all to ensure that Simba returns to their rightful place at the top of Tanzanian football. The dedication and hard work put in during the pre-season are set to pay off as the team embarks on what promises to be a thrilling and successful campaign.

The senior players’ commitment, the new signings’ potential, and the unwavering support of the fans create a promising outlook for Simba. 

The club’s preparations and the upcoming Simba Day festival mark the beginning of a new chapter, filled with hope and determination, as they strive to restore their honor and achieve greatness once more.