Exclusive: Simba SC to unveil Dimitar Pantev after Miguel Gamondi snub

Tanzania Premier League giants Simba SC have settled for the services of Gaborone United coach Dimitar Pantev after their efforts to hire Miguel Gamondi from Singida Black Stars hit a snag.

Pan-Africa Football can confirm that contractual agreement has already been reached with the Bulgarian coach, and he will be unveiled before Simba’s next CAF Champions League fixture.

The Bulgarian coach was attached to Gaborone and led them against Simba in the first preliminary round of the Champions League where they lost 2-1 on aggregate to exit the competition. The first leg in Gaborone ended 1-0 in favour of Simba before the return leg in Tanzania ended in a 1-1 draw.

Simba received over 200 CVs seeking to replace Davids

“We received over 200 CVs since Fadlu Davids left the club, and we tasked a team which was looking at them, and trying to get the best out of the 200, and I can confirm Pantev has been shortlisted as the coach to take over,” a top source with the club, who did not want to be named, told Pan-Africa Football.

Pan-Africa Football understands Simba’s efforts to secure the signature of Gamondi failed to materialise as the club refused to release him. While the Argentine coach, who previously coached Simba rivals Young Africans was willing to join Simba, Singida were not willing to listen to their offer as they have tasked Gamondi to being success.

Pantev will be unveiled before Champions League fixture

Earlier on Friday, Simba Communication and Information Manager Ahmed Ally confirmed the team will have a new coach in place before they play their second preliminary round fixture of the CAF Champions League.

The Msimbazi Reds remained coachless at the start of the season after parting ways with Davids, who eventually landed in Morocco to lead Raja Casablanca. Davids left his role after guiding Simba to a 1-0 Champions League first leg win against Gaborone United of Botswana.

This forced Simba to hire the services of Tanzania national team coach Hemed Suleiman on a temporary basis for the return leg fixture. Suleiman guided Simba to a 1-1 draw which was enough for the Tanzanian side to progress to the second round on a 2-1 aggregate win.

Simba have been drawn to face Nsingizini of Eswatini in a two-legged second preliminary round fixture. Simba will play the first leg away on October 17 before hosting the return leg on October 24. The overall winner will progress to the group stages of the lucrative competition.