Simba roars to glory: Tanzanian giants mark 87th anniversary with spectacle and victory

© Simba SC

FOOTBALL Simba roars to glory: Tanzanian giants mark 87th anniversary with spectacle and victory

Festus Chuma 09:02 - 07.08.2023

The Tanzanian giants hosted an unforgettable Simba Day, unveiled squad, and triumphed in an international friendly.

The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam came alive on Sunday as Tanzania Premier League giants, Simba, marked their 87th anniversary with the grand 14th edition of Simba Day.

The stadium, with a capacity of 60,000, was filled to the brim with passionate fans and football enthusiasts, all gathered to celebrate the illustrious club's rich history and exciting future.

https://twitter.com/SimbaSCTanzania/status/1688172361038594048?s=20

The highly anticipated event saw Simba unveil their star-studded squad for the upcoming Mainland Tanzania Premier League season, adding to the excitement that was already palpable in the air.

The occasion also served as a platform to honor outstanding players and members who have contributed immensely to the club's success over the years.

The highlight of the day was an international friendly match between Simba and Zambian giants, Power Dynamos, which Simba won 2-0.

The clash of the titans drew the attention of not just local supporters but also a special guest of honour, Tanzania's President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, who graced the occasion.

Simba fans and football enthusiasts alike eagerly awaited the unveiling of the new signings for the upcoming season. 

Wekundu wa Msimbazi have managed to secure the talents of several players, including Leandre Onana, Aubin Kouame, Che Fondoh Malone, and David Kameta alias Duchu

The anticipation reached its peak as the players were presented with their jersey numbers, symbolizing their integration into the Simba family.

Among the notable jersey assignments, Luis Miquissone received the coveted number 11 jersey previously worn by the legendary Peter Banda, who was given a new number 40. 

Fabrice Ngoma proudly donned the number six jersey, which was once sported by Pascal Wawa. Saidoo Ntibazonkiza stepped into the number 10 jersey, previously worn by Peter Banda, while Willy Onana embraced the number seven, last adorned by Chriss Mugalu.

The event not only brought joy to the fans but also created a positive ripple effect in the local economy. 

Transport operators, including daladalas, bajajs, and bodabodas, were all beaming with smiles as they witnessed an influx of supporters traveling to the stadium. 

Accommodation businesses also thrived as fans from different parts of the country converged in Dar es Salaam to be part of this grand celebration.

Entertainment was not in short supply either, as Tanzanian musician Ali Kiba took to the stage and charmed the audience with his scintillating performance before the highly anticipated match commenced. 

The electrifying atmosphere inside the stadium was a testament to the unyielding passion that Tanzanians have for the beautiful game.

Simba Day has undeniably grown in popularity over the years, becoming an eagerly awaited annual tradition for both Simba supporters and football enthusiasts in Tanzania. 

The event not only showcases the club's impressive legacy but also serves as a perfect prelude to the start of the top-flight football season in the country.

Simba SC squad 2023/2024 season

Goalkeepers: Ahmed Ferouz, Ally Salim, Aishi Manula and Hussein Abeli.

Defenders: Henock Inonga, Kennedy Juma, Israel Mwenda, Mohamed Hussein, Hussein Kazi and Shomari Kapombe, David Kameta and Che Malone.

Midfielders: Mzamiru Yassin, Jimmyson Mwanuke, Willy Onana, Abdallah Khamis, Aubin Kramo, Nassoro Kapama and Sadio Kanoute, Saido Ntibazonkiza, Clatous Chama and Patrice Ngoma.

Forwards: Jean Baleke, Mohamed Mussa, Kibu Denis, Shaban Chilunda, Moses Phiri, John Bocco, Peter Banda and Luis Miquissone.