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.

Mohammed Bajaber and the Simba SC Transfer Speculation

Reports indicated that Mohammed Bajaber, who joined Simba SC ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) co-hosted in East Africa, was frustrated by his lack of minutes. The midfielder made the switch from Kenyan champions Kenya Police FC with high expectations, having enjoyed a standout season that helped Police FC secure their historic maiden league title.

The rumours further claimed that Bajaber had requested Simba management to allow him to seek opportunities elsewhere. Among the clubs reportedly monitoring his situation was his former side, Kenya Police FC.

Despite the chatter, Simba SC have made their position clear — the midfielder remains part of their long-term plans.

Simba SC Not Ready to Let Go of Mohammed Bajaber

Speaking about the situation, Steve Barker emphasised the club’s confidence in Bajaber’s abilities and dismissed any suggestion of an imminent departure.

“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.”

Barker’s comments underline Simba SC’s commitment to supporting the player through a challenging period rather than cutting ties prematurely.

Injury Setbacks Behind Mohammed Bajaber’s Struggles at Simba SC

One of the major reasons behind Bajaber’s limited playing time at Simba SC has been recurring injuries. These setbacks have disrupted his momentum and prevented him from establishing consistency within the squad.

Barker revealed that the midfielder has now returned to full training after recovering from his most recent injury setback.

“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.”

The coach added that Simba SC are carefully managing the player’s workload to ensure a smooth and sustainable return to competitive action.

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

This cautious approach reflects the club’s desire to avoid rushing him back and risking further injury.

Loan Talk Dismissed as Simba SC Back Their Player

Speculation about a possible loan move back to Kenya gained traction in recent weeks, but Barker reiterated that Simba SC’s priority is to see Bajaber succeed in Tanzania.

“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.”

He concluded by reaffirming the club’s belief in Bajaber’s long-term potential.

“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.”