Robertinho's impressive numbers at Simba show he didn't deserve sacking

Robertinho's impressive numbers at Simba show he didn't deserve sacking|COURTESY

FOOTBALL Robertinho's impressive numbers at Simba show he didn't deserve sacking

Allan Damba • 10:05 - 08.11.2023

Even then, with the tears fazing, a number of Simba fans could look at Robertinho's tenure and will have a lot to smile about.

Suffering a 5-1 demolition at the hands of eternal rivals Young Africans SC was big enough a reason, in the eyes of the Simba SC management, to get rid of Brazilian tactician Roberto Oliviera alias Robertinho.

To the Simba honchos and the faithful alike, defeat to Yanga, especially in an embarrassing fashion, is utterly unacceptable.

Simba sacked Robertinho after the humiliating defeat to Yanga / Simba SC Image

A mauling to their arch-nemesis is a grave crime that supersedes all the other milestones reached, according to the Reds of Msimbazi.

Even then, with the tears fazing, a number of Simba fans could look at Robertinho's tenure and will have a lot to smile about.

Under the former Vipers SC gaffer, Simba played 34 official games and won 22, representing a decent 64.7% winning rate.

Robertinho's Simba then managed six stalemates and as many defeats across all competitions, including the Tanzania Premier League, CAF Champions League, African Football League and the Community Shield.

Despite being at the helm in just under a year, Robertinho scooped silverware as Simba won the 2023 Community Shield, having beaten Yanga 3-1 in post-match penalties.

At the time of his sacking, the Brazilian had led the team back to the group stages of the Champions League after getting past Zambian kingpins Power Dynamos in the second preliminary round.

Robertinho won Coach of the Month award in Tanzania|SIMBA SC IMAGE

In the same competition last season, he guided Simba to the quarterfinals, where they fell to Wydad Casablanca in penalties after two legs.

Meanwhile, this season in the Africa Football League, Simba were denied a semi-final slot by the Away goals rule, having tied 3-3 with continental heavyweights Al Ahly.

On the other side, at the time of his sacking, Simba sat third in the Tanzania Premier League with 18 points.

Despite playing just seven games, they are only three points adrift of leaders Yanga, who have played eight. Second-placed Azam, who are on 19 points, have played nine games.

Coincidentally, Robertinho's forced departure came after he had clinched the Tanzania Premier League Coach of the Month for October.

Robertinho excelled as he won the Coach of the Month award in Tanzania|COURTESY

Robertinho leaves East Africa after cementing his name as a serial winner, as he had also won the Uganda Premier League and the Uganda Cup in his only full season at Vipers.

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