Barker positive on Simba SC title race despite Young Africans gap

Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has revealed why he is still positive of catching up with Young Africans at the top of the Mainland Premier League following their 3-0 win against Fountain Gate on Wednesday.

The Msimbazi Reds needed goals from Clatous Chama, Libasse Gueye, and Shaban Mgunda, to register their 11th victory of the campaign, and close the gap between them and rivals Young Africans to five points at the summit.

 

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The victory further enabled Simba to end a run of two straight matches without a win. Simba had drawn 0-0 against Azam FC in the Mzizima derby, and 0-0 against TRA United.

Speaking after their victory against Fountain Gate, the South African admitted being frustrated with the outcome of their fixture against TRA United but maintained they still have the opportunity to close in on Yanga because they have returned home for remaining matches.

Simba have a lot of matches at home

“Yeah, it was always going to be tough, you know we have been away for so long, and played three games in seven days,” Barker told Pan-Africa Football.

“But ultimately, we can look back, we got ourselves into the quarterfinals of the cup, we got four points out of six away, so, yeah, not the worst. Obviously, we wanted to beat TRA United, but I am happy with today’s performance.

“We needed the three points; it was important for us to get three points. Time to get to Dar es Salaam for a day or so recovery, and we prepare for a very important match on Sunday.

“We have played a lot of game of late, I think it will be 10 out of 12 games, that we have played away, so, as long as we are just picking points, and winning games, and staying in touch at the top of the table, you know hopefully the last 10 matches, we have got quite a number of homes games to look forward to.”

Simba will next face Namungo FC

The win enabled Simba to stay in touch with Young Africa as they reached 39 points. However, Young Africans could return to eight points clear if they manage to beat Mbeya City on Thursday.

Simba will return to action against Namungo FC before facing rivals Young Africans in the Kariakoo derby on May 3.