Barker wary of Pamba Jiji threats ahead of Simba SC clash

Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has said their Mainland Premier League fixture against Pamba Jiji on Thursday will not be easy at all but they are well prepared to get three points at CCM Kirumba Stadium, in Mwanza.

The Msimbazi Reds, who are sitting fourth on the log, will come up against a side currently sitting sixth. Simba will be seeking to make it two wins out of two in the top-flight following their 2-1 success against Singida Black Stars.

Kituo kinachofata kwenye Ligi Kuu ni Pamba Jiji FC. #NBCPremierLeague #NguvuMoja pic.twitter.com/JCWW7HiPwB

— Simba Sports Club (@SimbaSCTanzania) March 18, 2026

For Pamba Jiji, they secured a 2-2 draw against Azam FC in their last assignment, a game which came after they had defeated Namungo FC 1-0.

Pamba Jiji is not easy to play at home

“We know it is not an easy match according to our schedule as it is, we have played many matches in a row away but even if you look at the opponent’s form, the resistance will increase,” Barker told Pan-Africa Football.

“I have prepared my players enough to ensure we get three points. We know we have to win our matches to move up the table. We are now close to the top, so we have to stay focused, and keep winning our matches.”

The South African coach further confirmed assistant coach Suleman Matola will not be available for the fixture. Simba player Morice Abraham said their preparations are good enough to give them what they want from the game.

“We had good training sessions, and it is now time to go out and fight to get maximum points from the game,” he said.

Pamba Jiji aim is to beat Simba

Pamba Jiji coach Francis Baraza remained confident of getting a positive result against the Tanzania giants. The Kenyan coach added they had studied Simba’s game plan, and are prepared to stop them.

“We want to keep our momentum going, it is always not easy coming up against Simba, one of the best teams in Tanzania, but it is a fixture we cannot avoid, and must be ready to play,” said the Kenyan coach.

“We have prepared well since our last game against Azam, our focus is to claim maximum points, and we will do everything to get the points.”

Simba have managed 27 points from 12 matches, while Pamba Jiji have accumulated 24 points from 15 matches.