Barker Pushing Hard In Title Race: ‘One Gam…

Simba Head Coach Steve Barker. Photo: Facebook/Simba SC Tanzania

Simba SC coach Steve Barker is focused on each game as it comes, as his team looks to challenge Young Africans (Yanga) for the Tanzanian Premier League title.

Check Out: Barker Urges Focus As Title Hopes Grow

Barker’s side will face Mtibwa Sugar on Matchday 28 of the Tanzanian Premier League, and anything less than three points will likely spell the end of Simba’s title charge.

It is a game which impacts both ends of the table as Sugar sit just one point and one above the relegation playoff spot, and only two points ahead of the automatic drop zone.

Barker Calls For Focus

Simba currently sit second in the table with 64 points from 27 games played, two behind Yanga, and will need their Kariakoo derby rivals to drop points while maintaining their winning form.

“Our preparation has gone very well, and the players understand the importance of this match,” Barker said ahead of the fixture, according to Pan-Africa Football.

“We are focused on ourselves and what we need to do to keep our title hopes alive,” he continued.

Despite the two teams enjoying contrasting seasons, the former Stellenbosch boss is not underestimating the challenge that Sugar will bring, particularly playing at home.

“Mtibwa Sugar have their own objectives and ambitions, so we expect a very competitive match,” he said.

“They will be motivated and determined to get a positive result, which means we must be ready from the first whistle,” he stated.

One Game At A Time

To avoid his players getting distracted by the title fight, Barker urged his side to take every game as it comes, while only focusing on themselves.

Yanga have a tough task on their hands when they face third-placed Azam FC, who are chasing a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Check Out: Barker Urges Focus As Title Hopes Grow

“The most important thing is to take the season one game at a time,” he said.

“We cannot control what happens elsewhere. What we can control is our attitude, our preparation, and our performance on the field,” the 58-year-old concluded.

The South African is yet to taste defeat in the league since taking charge of the Reds of Msimbazi, winning 15 and drawing seven times in 22 games.

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