Dar es Salaam. New Simba coach, Dimitar Pantev, officially began his duties on Monday, expressing satisfaction with the quality of his players following an initial assessment and voicing confidence that they can achieve the club’s objectives this season.
Pantev, who arrived with his assistant Boyko Simeonev, has 11 days to prepare the squad ahead of the CAF Champions League match against Nsungizi Hotspurs of Eswatini on October 18 away, before the return leg in Dar es Salaam on October 25.
In his preliminary analysis, Pantev said he was over 80 percent satisfied with the squad’s condition, noting that many players appear to fit well with his football philosophy.
“What I observed in each player during my assessment gives me hope. This is a talented team; every individual brings something unique. My job is to ensure we build a cohesive system that combines everyone’s strengths,” said the coach.
Unlike Fadlu Davids, who often preferred a 4-2-3-1 system focused on balance between attack and defense with two strong defensive midfielders, Pantev is a strong believer in the 4-3-3 formation.
“We will identify the best way to make us perform as a team on the pitch, step by step. I believe it is possible, and that is why I am here,” said the coach.
Pantev’s system emphasizes direct attacks through the wingers and a central striker, while the three midfielders behind them have distinct roles in pushing the team forward.
Players like Ellie Mpanzu, Charles Jean Ahoua, Kibu Denis, Morice Abraham, Joshua Mutale, Ladack Chasambi, and Mohammed Bajaber, who is on his way back, are key weapons for breaking down opponents.
The ability to hold the ball and create space allows forwards like Jonathan Sowah, Seleman Mwalimu, and even Steven Mukwala to exploit scoring opportunities.
This season, Simba has played four matches across all competitions one under Fadlu and three under Seleman Matola and Hemed Suleiman ‘Morocco’ winning three, including two league wins against Fountain Gate and Namungo, and drawing 1-1 in the return leg against Gaborone, after winning the first leg 1-0 in Botswana.
The team has scored a total of eight goals, averaging two goals per match, while conceding only one.
Last season with Gaborone, Pantev led the squad to 20 wins, six draws, and only four losses, maintaining a scoring average of nearly two goals per match, roughly 1.8.
Trip to Eswatini
According to the schedule, Simba will depart on Thursday, October 16 via Air Tanzania to South Africa, before taking another flight into Eswatini.
Prior to facing Nsungizi Hotspurs, Simba will play two friendly matches to prepare, one of which is reportedly scheduled for Thursday against Al Hilal of Sudan.
