Barker ‘Braced’ For Tough League Battle

Simba Head Coach Steve Barker. Photo: Gallo Images

Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has urged his players to remain fully alert and disciplined as they prepare to face Pamba Jiji in a demanding NBC Premier League encounter at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza.

Check Out: Barker Admits Simba ‘Not At Their Best’ Despite Win

The South African expects another intense battle against a side that has consistently proved difficult for Simba, particularly on home soil, with the Reds having been held to a 1-1 draw by Pamba last season before edging them 2-1.

Simba opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Kagera Sugar, and Barker wants his team to maintain that momentum, according to Pan-Africa Football.

Barker Braced for Pamba Battle

Barker acknowledged that playing Pamba Jiji in Mwanza is never an easy assignment, pointing to the physical intensity and tactical organisation the hosts have demonstrated in previous meetings.

“Facing Pamba Jiji, especially on their home turf, is never a stroll in the park. It’s going to be a battle, but the squad understands exactly what’s at stake, and we’re fully prepared to step up and deliver,” Barker said.

“We’re making strategic tactical adjustments to ensure every player is primed to execute under pressure,” he added.

Barker’s First-Year Success at Simba

Barker arrives for the new campaign off the back of an impressive first year in Tanzania, which saw him win two trophies and embark on a remarkable 25-game unbeaten run in the league.

The 58-year-old guided Simba to the Muungano Cup and the CRDB Bank Federation Cup in his debut season, but narrowly missed out on the league title, finishing two points behind rivals Young Africans.

Check Out: Mngqithi Praises Shalulile: ‘He’s Got Too Many Goals In Him’

Barker will be determined to go one better this time around and dethrone Manqoba Mngqithi’s Yanga side, starting with maximum points in Mwanza.

Related tags