Anicet Oura: Simba SC beef up squad with signing of Ivory Coast winger

Tanzanian Premier League side Simba SC have confirmed the signing of Ivorian winger Anicet Oura as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Finnish club IF Gnistan.

The former ASEC Mimosas player committed to a two-year deal with the Tanzanian giants until December 31, 2027. His arrival comes just a few days after coach Steve Barker stressed the importance of strengthening the squad.

Speaking in regards to first-choice duo Yakoub Suleiman and Moussa Camara, who are currently out injured, Barker said in a recent interview: “I think it’s important to acknowledge that our two first-choice goalkeepers are both currently injured.

Oura comes in to strengthen Simba squad

“That is an area that we have to look at. It’s an area of concern, and it’s vital that we look for immediate solutions. There are certain areas where I believe we need to be better and we need to strengthen the squad. We will be doing that.”

The former Stellenbosch coach added: “The important part is to get the team together and get the group focused. We cannot compete at the level we desire if we are vulnerable in such a specialist position.

“This is a normal process when you are building a strong and competitive team. We need to have a complete squad so that our preparations can be effective.”

Oura made his debut for the Ivory Coast national football team on August 27, 2022, against Burkina Faso. He was also named to the Ivory Coast squad for the 2022 African Nations Championship.

The 26-year-old could be available for his debut when Simba take on Mashujaa FC in a rescheduled Mainland Premier League fixture at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Thursday.