Simba SC-linked coach Dimitar Pantev resigns from Gaborone United

Botswana’s Gaborone United have confirmed the resignation of their coach Dimitar Pantev who is heavily linked with a move to Simba SC.

Pan-Africa Football reported exclusively earlier on Friday that the Bulgarian was on his way to the Tanzanian Premier League team.

A few hours later, the Botswana FNB Premiership champions released a statement confirming Pantev’s resignation.

What did Gaborone United say about the Simba-linked coach?

“Coach Pantev has informed the club of his intention to pursue a new opportunity in his coaching career, and after discussions with management, Gaborone United has respectfully granted his request. This morning, the coach bid farewell to the players and staff at the club’s training ground,” the statement reads.

Pan-Africa Football had reported that Simba SC settled for Pantev’s services after their efforts to hire Miguel Gamondi from Singida Black Stars hit a snag.

When will Dimitar Pantev likely be unveiled by Simba SC?

Pantev is expected to unveiled before Simba’s next CAF Champions League fixture.

The Bulgarian led the Botswana giants 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.

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.

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.

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