Simba mark 80 years in style

Simba SC midfielder Mwinyi Kazimoto vies for the ball with Joshua Mawira of AFC Leopards during their Simba Day friendly match at the National Stadium yesterday. Simba won 4-0. PHOTO | SAID KHAMIS


What you need to know:

The encounter at a sold out stadium kicked off on a balanced note with thousands of Simba fans cheering from the outset.


Dar es Salaam.  Simba SC celebrated the Simba Day in style after spanking Kenya’s AFC Leopards 4-0 in a friendly, which will boost their confidence ahead of the 2016/17 Vodacom Premier League.

The Msimbazi Street side that was also marking its 80th anniversary of existence had their goals scored by two-goal hero Ibrahim Hajib who found the back of the net in either half at the 60,000-seater National Stadium.

It was also a day to remember for new signings; Laudit Mavugo (Burundian) and former Mtibwa Sugar youngster Shizza Kichuya, who took a bow with a goal apiece.

Simba leaders used the occasion to present their newly signed players to their fans. 

The encounter at a sold out stadium kicked off on a balanced note with thousands of Simba fans cheering from the outset.

The visitors also enjoyed support from the fans believed to belong to rivals Young Africans.

After a slow start, Simba started dominating proceeding, but their strikers could not race into an early lead.

The Msimbazi side survived a scared from their former attacker; Paul Kiongera whose shot was well dealt with by the keeper Vincent Angban.

Hajib opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a long range shot that went past Ian Otieno after receiving a nice pass from Musaa Ndusha.

The Kenyan giants made some well organised attacks with a bid to level the score, but Simba thwarted all moves to take a 1-0 lead to the half time break. 

The hosts did wholesome changes in the second half in a bid to give players more game time ahead of the new season. 

Hajib netted his and Simba’s second on the 56th minute with Jamal Mnyate being a victim of wasting a clear opportunity after being put through by Mavungo two minutes later. 

The third goal couldn’t wait any longer as Kichuya completed a nice cross from Mavugo for Simba.

After providing the assist, Mavugo was to add his name to the score sheet with a goal eight minutes from time; this time receiving a nice pass from Kichuya. 

City tycoon Mohammed Dewji who is on the verge of take over the club was also in attendance.

Simba will open their new league season with a home match against Ndanda FC on August 20.