Barker urges Simba SC to stay compact ahead of TRA United clash

Simba SC coach Steve Barker has challenged his players to play for 90 and added minutes without tiring insisting that will help them to challenge for targets this season.

Speaking ahead of their Mainland Premier League fixture against TRA United at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha on Thursday, the South African coach, who had just been crowned coach of the month for March, stressed the importance of remaining compact in a game.

Kazini tena. #NBCPremierLeague #NguvuMoja pic.twitter.com/n3sEUH9MRc

— Simba Sports Club (@SimbaSCTanzania) April 8, 2026

He further discussed the importance of keeping a clean sheet. Since his arrival to take charge at Msimbazi, Simba have only conceded three league goals.

Simba wants to be difficult to beat

“I cannot speak for the very first part of the season, but since I have been here, I think we have only conceded three goals,” Barker told Pan-Africa Football.

“It’s an area where a lot of football matches are normally won at the latter stages of the game, so, it is an area we want to keep improving, we want to be a team that is difficult to beat, a team that doesn’t allow opposition many opportunities.

“So, we have to start the game well, but the most important part is to make sure we continue the same way until the end.”

Barker added: “You know, obviously, a match is not won in 45 minutes, but it is won over 90 added minutes, and, so, it is about focus, it’s about concentration, and it is about just making sure we remain compact in situations.

“So, yeah, it is important we see out the game, and don’t concede at crucial moments.”

TRA United worried of league position

TRA United assistant coach Kassim Otieno said with the preparations they have made, they believe they will secure victory against Simba.

“We know the importance of the game. We know our position in the league is not good so far and we have to move up. We have made good preparations and we want to do everything to win the game,” said Otieno.

Simba will head into the fixture seeking to win having seen their rivals Young Africans secure a comfortable 3-0 win against Pamba Jiji to move nine points clear at the summit of the 16-team league table.

Simba are currently second with 35 points from 16 matches, while TRA United are placed eighth with 23 points from 17 outings.