Dar es Salaam. After a long wait, September 10, 2025, finally arrived, and the Simba Day Festival took place, sparking huge excitement among football and entertainment lovers both inside and outside Tanzania.
Simba hosted this year’s festival, marking the 17th edition since its inception in 2009 under the leadership of Hassan Dalali.
Simba Day has always been more than just a football event. It begins with community activities, then culminates with entertainment and football.
This year’s edition, held at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, lived up to expectations with electrifying music performances from top artists and a friendly international clash between Simba and Kenya’s Gor Mahia.
Beyond Simba’s 2-0 win in the friendly, courtesy of goals from Abdulrazack Hamza (6th minute) and Steven Mukwala (48th minute), highlights the most memorable moments of the festival.
The Fans vibe
Two days before the event, Simba announced that all tickets were sold out a clear sign that fans were eager. On matchday, they arrived early, creating an electric atmosphere.
By the time player introductions began, the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium was a sea of red and white, with fans cheering every moment.
Mbosso steals the show
Among the artists who performed, it was Bongo Flava star Mbosso who set the stadium alight.
Taking the stage at 5:02 PM, he thrilled the crowd with an energetic one-hour set, performing more than 15 songs including Sele, Kunguru, Moyo, Yataniua, Shetani, Ova, Haijakaa Sawa, Amepotea, Nusu Saa, Pawa, Aviola and Asumani.
Backed by a vibrant team of dancers, Mbosso kept the fans on their feet until 6:05 PM. Before his act, other artists such as Joh Makini and Chino had also captivated the audience.
Player Unveiling
The most eagerly awaited moment for fans was the unveiling of the new squad for the 2025/26 season.
Simba’s Media and Communications Manager, Ahmed Ally, kicked off the ceremony at 6:21 PM, first introducing the technical bench led by head coach Fadlu Davids.
Then came the players including 14 new signings: Yakoub Suleiman, Antony Mligo, Naby Camara, Rushine De Reuck, Vedastus Masinde, Wilson Nangu, Alassane Kante, Morice Abraham, Hussein Daud Semfuko, Mohamed Bajaber, Neo Maema, Seleman Mwalimu, and Jonathan Sowah.
They were joined by three promoted talents from Simba U20: Alexander Erasto, Hussein Mbegu, and Bashir Salum.
Gor Mahia tests Simba
After the celebrations, attention shifted to the friendly match where Simba triumphed 2-0. Coach Fadlu Davids fielded a blend of old and new faces, with a starting XI of Moussa Camara, Ladack Chasambi, Antony Mligo, Rushine De Reuck, Chamou Karaboue, Abdulrazack Hamza, Kibu Denis, Naby Camara, Neo Maema, Jean Charles Ahoua, and Jonathan Sowah.
Post-match, Fadlu and the fans agreed that while the team showed promise, there were still areas that needed fine-tuning ahead of the Community Shield clash against Yanga on September 16.
New singings impress
In the first half against Gor Mahia, Fadlu started five new signings, giving fans a chance to see their potential. Standouts included Rushine De Reuck and Naby Camara both of whom played extended minutes.
Rushine partnered Chamou Karaboue at center-back and showed calmness in building play from the back. His tackles and long passes one of which sparked the move for Mukwala’s goal drew praise.
Naby, deployed initially as a midfielder, adapted quickly to Simba’s style, linking up well with Ahoua and Maema.
In the second half, he was shifted to left-back, where he impressed again. Antony Mligo also made a strong impact in the first 45 minutes.
Later substitutions gave Yakoub Suleiman a chance in goal, and he delivered with a key save before being subbed out.
A Winning tradition
With this victory, Simba extended their strong record on Simba Day since 2009. Out of 17 matches, they have now won 12, drawn one, and lost only four.
Their wins include victories over SC Villa (2009, 2013, 2015), AFC Leopards (2016), Rayon Sports (2017), Asante Kotoko (2018), Power Dynamos (2019, 2023), Vital’O (2020), St George (2022), APR (2024), and Gor Mahia (2025).
The only draw came against Express in 2010, while losses were to Victors (2011), Nairobi City Stars (2012), Zesco United (2014), and TP Mazembe (2021).
