Dar es Salaam. Among the challenges confronting Coach Dimitar Pantev, who was recently appointed as Manager at Msimbazi, is the central midfield area, where he is still undecided about his starting lineup despite having four options in the squad.
Pantev faces a headache in Eswatini, where he will lead the team tomorrow, Sunday, in his first competitive match against Nsingizini Hotspurs in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
Previously, the coach had deployed Mzamiru Yassin, Alassane Kanté, and midfielder Naby Camara in two international friendly matches against Al-Hilal Omdurman of Sudan.
However, reports suggest that he did not get the results he hoped for, especially in the second match, which ended in a 4-1 defeat. The first match saw Simba win 2-1.
In those games, Pantev missed the services of key players, including Yusuph Kagoma, who was with the Tanzania national team in Dubai for a friendly against Iran.
The return of Kagoma, alongside other players such as Morice Abraham, Wilson Nangu, Yakoub Suleiman, and Seleman Mwalimu, could strengthen the midfield.
It should be noted that Kagoma was the engine of Simba’s midfield last season, partnering with Fabrice Ngoma, who left the club at the end of the campaign.
Since inheriting Fadlu Davids’ responsibilities, Pantev had a valuable opportunity on Saturday to conduct final preparations with his full squad.
This provides him with a solid chance to decide which midfielders will start alongside Kagoma, or whether he will continue with those used in earlier preparations.
In the five competitive matches Simba has played including one Community Shield clash against Yanga, two league matches, and two international fixtures five different players have been used in midfield, including Abdulrazack Mohamed Hamza, who was sidelined by injury during the derby.
The challenge
Pantev needs a balanced midfield, especially for tomorrow’s away fixture, to ensure a strong start. According to sources, the coach has identified weaknesses in that area.
“We’ll see what happens tomorrow in our final preparations. You know, Pantev wants midfielders who can quickly support the attackers and defend collectively. He wasn’t happy with what happened in the second match against Al Hilal,” said a source.
Before leaving the country to face Nsingizini Hotspurs, Pantev expressed optimism about the game: “We didn’t have all our players during preparations; that’s normal, especially during a FIFA calendar. We will train together and be ready for the match. I believe we will do well and reach the group stage, but we must take it step by step. We won’t sit back and wait for them.”
Rushine in line for captaincy
Sources indicate that central defender Rushine De Reuck, in his first season with Simba, has been recommended as one of the team’s captains.
De Reuck, who has scored two goals in two league matches, is among the players showing leadership qualities, and Coach Pantev is reportedly inclined to nominate the South African.
Despite these recommendations, Shomary Kapombe will continue as the main captain. In his absence, De Reuck could don the armband, while other potential deputies include Mzamiru, although he has not featured regularly in the squad.
