Simba SC coach Barker dismisses Mohammed Bajaber exit reports

Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has come out to dismiss rumours linking Kenyan midfielder Mohammed Bajaber with a move away from the Tanzanian Premier League giants.

There have been reports on social media that Bajaber, who joined the Msimbazi Reds before the start of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) co-hosted in East Africa, was frustrated for not getting enough playing time.

The reports further indicated that Bajaber, who joined Simba from Kenyan champions Kenya Police FC, had asked Simba management to allow him get another club.

Police FC is among the clubs, who are considering moving for the youngster, who has endured a challenging spell with Simba, largely due to recurring injuries that have disrupted his momentum and consistency.

‘Simba not ready to let go’

“Mohammed is a high-quality player, and as I’ve always said, good players will always have a place in our plans. He has the technical ability to change a game, and we are not ready to let go of that kind of talent just because of a difficult patch with injuries,” assured Barker as quoted by the Guardian.

“He is fine now. He has been back in full training for the past two to three weeks after his most recent setback. It’s been a frustrating time for him, but he’s showing great character on the training pitch.

“We are managing him carefully to ensure that when he returns to the matchday squad, he stays there.”

He concluded: “There was a lot of talk about a loan move back to Kenya, but our priority was always to see him succeed here at Simba.

“We believe in his potential to relaunch his career in the Premier League, and we want him to do that in a Simba jersey, not elsewhere.”

Bajaber played a key role in helping Police FC to secure their historic maiden league title – performances that also earned him a long-awaited call-up to the Kenyan national team, Harambee Stars.