Barker challenges Simba SC to produce top display against Mashujaa

Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has said their target this season is to ensure they win the Tanzania Mainland Premier League title as they prepare to face Mashujaa FC in their rescheduled fixture on Thursday.

The Msimbazi Reds will return to domestic action following their CAF Champions League defeat against Espérance Sportive de Tunis. During the CAF fixture played away, Simba lost 1-0 on Saturday.

Simba objective is to challenge for title

“We are really excited and looking forward to the game, and I think in the context of the league, it is very obvious, we have to make sure we don’t lose further ground,” Barker told Pan-Africa Football ahead of the fixture.

“Our main objective for the season is to challenge to win the league, so, it is important for us that we pick maximum points against Mashujaa, but we also do know as coach and players that we don’t take any opposition lightly.

“We respect all our opponents that we play against, and we understand that for us to get maximum points, we have to play to our full potential. The mood in camp is very good; the players are showing high levels of commitment.

He added: “There have been a number of changes to the team, players leaving, and some players coming in. I think we have now settled, and the players that have joined us recently have found their feet, and everybody is looking to put on a big performance.

“There has been good progression in the team, in many areas, not only on the field but off the field. This match gives us the opportunity to start producing performances that get us maximum points.”

Simba are currently lying sixth on the league table with 13 points from six matches. They won four matches, drew one, and lost one.

Positive mood in camp

Despite the recent setback in continental competition, Barker revealed that the atmosphere within the Simba camp remains positive, with players responding well in training.

“The mood in camp is very good,” Barker explained. “The players are showing high levels of commitment, and there is a strong desire to bounce back with a positive result.”

Simba’s Champions League defeat to Espérance was seen as a harsh lesson rather than a major setback, with the narrow scoreline reflecting a competitive performance against one of Africa’s most experienced sides. Barker believes such matches provide valuable learning moments that can ultimately strengthen the team.

Simba SC target league title this season

Squad changes beginning to settle

Barker also highlighted that Simba have gone through a period of transition this season, with several players leaving the club and new signings arriving during the transfer window.

“There have been a number of changes to the team, players leaving and some players coming in,” he said. “I think we have now settled, and the players that have joined us recently have found their feet.”

According to the coach, improved squad cohesion is beginning to show both on and off the pitch, something he believes will be crucial as the season progresses.

“Everybody is looking to put on a big performance,” Barker added. “There has been good progression in the team in many areas, not only on the field but also off the field.”

Importance of Mashujaa fixture

The fixture against Mashujaa FC presents Simba with an opportunity to regain momentum and close the gap on teams above them in the standings. Barker sees the match as a key moment in setting the tone for the next phase of the league campaign.

“This match gives us the opportunity to start producing performances that get us maximum points,” he noted. “We want to be consistent, we want to dominate games, and we want to make sure that our performances match our ambitions.

Simba SC will be aiming to respond strongly in the league as they seek to stay firmly in the title race.

For Simba SC, picking maximum points in home fixtures will be crucial in their pursuit of the league crown.

With growing confidence in the squad, Simba SC believe they can sustain a strong title challenge this season.