Simba SC head coach Steve Barker believes his side should have scored more during their 2-0 Tanzania Mainland Premier League win against KMC on Wednesday.

The Msimbazi Reds needed two first half goals courtesy of Selemani Mwalimu in the 37th minute, and Libasse Gueye in added minutes to half-time stoppages to register their sixth league win of the season.

 

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Despite the commanding win, Barker admitted his side, who were in control in both halves should have scored a third or fourth goal in the second half. He further said the second goal came at the right time as it swungu the game in their favour.

‘Getting second goal was very crucial’

“Obviously, we were in total control up until we got the goal, we were a little bit unlucky before that maybe not to score, but the way we played I thought eventually we should be able to unlock and get the goal that we needed,” Barker told Pan-Africa Football.

“Getting the second goal just before halftime was also crucial for us, I just thought maybe second half we could have gone for the kill, and maybe got a third, and fourth. I thought maybe we took the peddle a little bit off.

“I demand a little bit more intensity throughout the 90 minutes, but overall, good performance, good control of the match, and a good win.”

Simba showed they are getting better

Asked the mood in camp with the win against KMC coming after two matches without a win in the CAF Champions League for Simba, the South African coach responded: “It is good to win you know. Champions League and league are very different competitions.

“So, for as to get a win is great because for the last two Champions League matches, we have showed we are growing and getting better as a team. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get a win in either of them, but tonight I think it was a good performance, so it is good to keep the momentum going.

“We have to start winning streaks, and building unbeaten runs, and against KMC, the boys played with confidence and believed that we can continue to keep improving and getting better to make sure we prepare well for the remaining matches.”

Barker admitted to being concerned with missed opportunities in the second period. He said: “Obviously, I would have liked to have a third, and hopefully maybe, you know another one or two, but you know sometimes it is the way the game goes.

“We didn’t look like we will concede easily, so, but yeah, just maybe one small thing that we need to be better as a team, and be more ruthless when we are in control, and just really kill the game off.”

The victory saw Simba move to sixth with 19 points from eight matches.

“We Needed to Kill the Game”: Steve Barker Demands Ruthlessness Despite Simba SC Win

Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has issued a stern challenge to his squad, insisting that the Tanzania Mainland Premier League giants should have scored more during their commanding 2-0 victory against KMC on Wednesday.

The Msimbazi Reds returned to winning ways at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, needing two first-half goals to seal the three points. Selemani Mwalimu broke the deadlock in the 37th minute with a clinical finish, followed by a psychological blow from Libasse Gueye, who doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time.

Despite registering their sixth league win of the season and moving up the table, the perfectionist in Barker was left wanting more from his attacking unit.

For a detailed look at the current standings, check our Tanzania Premier League Table.

The Crucial Timing of the Goals

The match was a tale of two halves. The first half showcased Simba’s dominance and ability to strike at critical moments. Barker admitted that his side was in control, but the timing of the second goal was the turning point that swung the game firmly in their favor.

“Obviously, we were in total control up until we got the goal. We were a little bit unlucky before that maybe not to score, but the way we played I thought eventually we would be able to unlock them,” Barker told Pan-Africa Football.

He highlighted the psychological impact of Gueye’s strike:

“Getting the second goal just before halftime was also crucial for us. I just thought maybe in the second half we could have gone for the kill, and maybe got a third and fourth. I thought maybe we took the pedal a little bit off.”

This “foot off the gas” mentality is what the South African tactician is keen to eradicate as Simba looks to challenge for the title.

Demanding 90 Minutes of Intensity

One of the key takeaways from Barker’s post-match analysis was his demand for sustained intensity. For a club with the stature of Simba SC, controlling the game is not enough; dominating the scoreline is expected by the passionate “Wanasimba” fanbase.

Barker’s critique centered on the team’s failure to convert their second-half dominance into a rout.

“I demand a little bit more intensity throughout the 90 minutes, but overall, good performance, good control of the match, and a good win,” he added.

By not finding that third goal, Simba missed an opportunity to boost their goal difference—a statistic that often proves decisive in the tight race for the Ligi Kuu Bara title against rivals Young Africans (Yanga) and Azam FC.

Bouncing Back from CAF Heartbreak

The victory against KMC was about more than just three points; it was a statement of resilience. The win came off the back of a frustrating run in the CAF Champions League, where the team went two matches without a victory.

Asked about the mood in the camp, Barker emphasized the importance of separating continental struggles from domestic duties.

“It is good to win, you know. Champions League and the league are very different competitions. So, for us to get a win is great because, in the last two Champions League matches, we have shown we are growing and getting better as a team.”

He continued:

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t get a win in either of them, but tonight I think it was a good performance, so it is good to keep the momentum going. We have to start winning streaks and building unbeaten runs.”

Climbing the Table

The victory saw Simba move to sixth place on the log with 19 points from just eight matches. Crucially, due to their continental commitments, the Msimbazi Reds have played fewer games than the teams above them. If they can win their games in hand, they will be right back in the mix for the top spot.

The performance against KMC suggests that the confidence is returning. The boys played with belief, and the defensive unit looked solid, keeping a vital clean sheet.

“We didn’t look like we would concede easily… but yeah, just maybe one small thing that we need to be better at as a team is to be more ruthless when we are in control, and just really kill the game off,” Barker concluded.

Simba will look to carry this “ruthless” mindset into their next fixture. You can view their upcoming schedule on our Simba SC Fixtures & Results page.