Simba coach Barker praises team’s mental strength after hard fought win

Simba Sports Club head coach Steve Barker has praised his players’ fighting spirit and resilience after their narrow 1-0 victory against JKT Tanzania in the NBC Premier League.

Simba secured all three points at the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium thanks to a first half goal from attacking midfielder Clatous Chama, who once again proved decisive for the Msimbazi giants.

 

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The tightly contested encounter saw both teams battle intensely, with JKT Tanzania causing several problems for Simba, especially during the opening stages of the match. Chama eventually broke the deadlock in the 35th minute after a brilliant attacking move initiated by Elie Mpanzu, whose creativity and composure opened space for the Zambian midfielder to finish calmly.

The victory ensured that Simba remained second in the NBC Premier League standings with 46 points, while Azam FC are three points back in third.

 

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Barker praises Simba for grinding out tough victory

Speaking after the match, Barker admitted the encounter was one of the toughest his side had faced in recent weeks, especially after playing two emotionally demanding derby matches.

“I would say today it was always going to be a tough game, and it was tough indeed,” said Barker. “We knew that two back to back tough matches take a lot out of the players physically and mentally. The pitch was also very heavy, which made things even more difficult for us.”

The South African coach explained that Simba had to depend more on determination and character rather than attractive football to secure the important win.

“We just needed to grind out the result. From a mental point of view and from the heart, the players showed they were ready for the fight because I knew it would be a difficult day. JKT are a very hardworking side and they made life difficult for us,” he said.

Barker also revealed that Simba struggled in midfield during the first half as JKT Tanzania managed to bypass their pressing system and control possession in key moments.

“It was very tough in the first half because of the way JKT were playing through midfield. After playing so many intense matches recently, sometimes it becomes difficult to start strongly again,” he explained.

The tactician credited his team’s improvement in the second half to tactical adjustments made during halftime.

“At halftime we adjusted our pressing because they were getting out too easily in the first half. In the second half we controlled the ball much better and managed possession better than before,” Barker added.

Despite dominating more after the break, Barker admitted the final minutes remained tense because of the slim scoreline.

“With a 1-0 lead, the last 10 minutes are always difficult. But the players showed excellent commitment and work ethic. Some of the recovery runs in the 90th minute were outstanding,” he said.

Barker concluded by expressing pride in his squad for continuing to deliver results despite a demanding schedule, as Simba now shift focus to their next league fixture on Sunday at home against Tanzania Prisons.