
Photo Credit: Simba SC Tanzania
Simba SC coach Steve Barker was left impressed with the performance of his side following their 2-0 win against Tanzania Prisons in a Mainland Premier League fixture on Sunday.
The Msimbazi needed two first half goals to seal a huge three points and register their seventh victory of the campaign. Selemani Mwalimu opened the scores for Simba after outwitting his markers to find the back of the net.
Mabao ya ushindi dhidi ya Tanzania Prisons. #NguvuMoja pic.twitter.com/kJp7ICb4Gf
— Simba Sports Club (@SimbaSCTanzania) February 22, 2026
Simba’s second came from the penalty spot. South Africa defender Rushine De Reuck stepped up to send Prisons keeper the wrong way. Simba remained dominant in the second half but they were not able to add to their first half goals.
“It was a good 90 minutes, we maintained control of the game from the start to the end, I thought we moved the ball really well, we had good chances especially in the first half,” Barker told Pan-Africa Football.
“We asked a lot of questions in the first half, and we deserved to go into the lead at half-time, and second half was just a matter of controlling the situation, and not making any silly errors.
“We should have done more and got the third goal to kill the game off, but we were in control and put in a very solid performance.”
Rushine De Reuck, who scored the second from the penalty spot, and was named man of the match, said: “It was a difficult game for us, because the opponent didn’t allow us to play the way we wanted to. But we tried to stick to our game, and I am proud of the boys.
“Tanzania Prison made it difficult for us, but we created a lot of opportunities and we are happy to get the three points.”
On his goal, he said: “It is important for defenders to score goals. It is not only the responsibility of attackers, so I am very happy with my contribution so far for the team, but the most important thing is the team winning, it is not about me.
“I can only be happy if the team wins, and I am happy with my contribution.”
The win enabled Simba to jump to fourth in the league table with 22 points, three less their rivals Young Africans, who are second.
Simba SC head coach Steve Barker was full of praise for his side following their convincing 2-0 win over Tanzania Prisons in a Mainland Premier League fixture played on Sunday.
The Msimbazi giants required two first-half goals to secure maximum points and register their seventh league victory of the campaign. The result was not only important in terms of points but also highlighted Simba SC’s growing consistency as they continue their pursuit of league leaders Young Africans.
Selemani Mwalimu opened the scoring after cleverly outwitting his markers before calmly finishing past the Prisons goalkeeper. The early breakthrough set the tone for the match, with Simba dominating possession and dictating the tempo from the outset.
Simba SC doubled their advantage from the penalty spot when South African defender Rushine De Reuck stepped up confidently to send the goalkeeper the wrong way. Despite several opportunities in the second half, the hosts were unable to add a third goal but maintained control until the final whistle.
Speaking after the match, Steve Barker expressed satisfaction with his team’s overall display, emphasizing their control and composure throughout the 90 minutes.
“It was a good 90 minutes, we maintained control of the game from the start to the end. I thought we moved the ball really well, we had good chances especially in the first half,” Barker told Pan-Africa Football.
Barker highlighted the intensity and attacking intent his side showed early in the match, stating that the team deserved their halftime lead.
“We asked a lot of questions in the first half, and we deserved to go into the lead at half-time.”
In the second half, Simba SC shifted focus to game management, ensuring they avoided costly mistakes while protecting their advantage.
“Second half was just a matter of controlling the situation and not making any silly errors. We should have done more and got the third goal to kill the game off, but we were in control and put in a very solid performance.”
The coach’s comments underline the tactical maturity Simba SC displayed, especially in maintaining discipline and composure after establishing a comfortable lead.
Defender Rushine De Reuck was one of the standout performers for Simba SC, scoring the second goal and earning the Man of the Match award for his commanding display at the back.
Reflecting on the game, De Reuck acknowledged the challenge posed by Tanzania Prisons, who made it difficult for Simba to implement their preferred style of play.
“It was a difficult game for us, because the opponent didn’t allow us to play the way we wanted to. But we tried to stick to our game, and I am proud of the boys.”
Despite the opposition’s resistance, Simba SC created multiple scoring opportunities and remained patient in their approach.
On his penalty goal, De Reuck emphasized the importance of defenders contributing offensively.
“It is important for defenders to score goals. It is not only the responsibility of attackers, so I am very happy with my contribution so far for the team. But the most important thing is the team winning, it is not about me.”
His leadership and confidence from the spot further demonstrate Simba SC’s depth and shared responsibility across the squad.