Simba SC find themselves under an uncomfortable spotlight this season, with fans and analysts asking the same pressing question: what exactly is the problem?
The giants from Msimbazi have already suffered four defeats in their opening 12 matches across all competitions a worrying sign for a club accustomed to setting the standards.
Sunday’s 2–0 loss to Azam only intensified the conversation. It came just days after back-to-back defeats in the CAF Champions League group stage, leaving supporters frustrated and demanding answers.
The contrast with last season could not be clearer. At this stage last year, Simba had lost only two of their first 12 matches—both narrow 1–0 defeats, one in the Community Shield and the other in the Premier League—each against their rivals, Young Africans.
Back then, the team collected eight wins from their opening dozen games, sweeping aside opponents with clinical efficiency.
This season, however, the drop in form is stark. Their win rate has fallen from 66.7 percent to just 50 percent, signalling a worrying downward shift in performance and confidence.
Coaching instability has played a significant role. The club began the season under Fadlu Davids, in what would have been his second full campaign.
But after a tense 1–0 win over Gaborone United in the Champions League qualifiers, both parties agreed to part ways.
Seleman Matola briefly took charge, guiding the team to a 3–0 win over Fountain Gate before the club sought additional support.
Hemed Suleiman “Morocco” was brought in specifically for the return leg against Gaborone, where a 1–1 draw at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium was enough to push Simba into the next round.
Shortly after, Dimitar Pantev the same man who had coached Gaborone United—was unveiled as Simba’s new manager.
For 61 days, Pantev oversaw the club’s campaign, leading them to the group stage of the Champions League after a 3–0 aggregate win over Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini.
He secured his first league win against JKT Tanzania, but things quickly unravelled.
Consecutive defeats to Petro Luanda and Stade Malien proved costly, prompting the club’s management to end his contract.
Matola returned to the helm, but his second spell began with another disappointment—this time a 2–0 loss to Azam.
Simba have scored 17 goals so far, three fewer than this point last season, while conceding eight three more than in the corresponding period.
Both ends of the pitch show clear signs of decline.
Former Simba coach Dylan Kerr, now based in the United States, on Thursday analysed the team’s recent struggles in continental competition.
He highlighted two major concerns: the team’s shape collapses too easily and players switch off defensively, while at the other end, too many clear chances are being wasted.
Veteran coach John Tegete shares a broader perspective. To him, the heart of the problem lies in the club’s frequent technical changes.
“You cannot build stability when the technical bench keeps changing,” he said.
“Players need one system, one philosophy and one voice. Constant changes create tactical gaps that affect results directly.”
What should Simba do now?
As Simba search for a new head coach, the first priority must be restoring calm within the squad.
The coaching carousel may have unsettled players psychologically, impacting their rhythm and decision-making.
Open communication between players and management, reducing unnecessary pressure and rebuilding morale will be essential before a new manager takes charge.
Secondly, Simba must conduct a thorough technical audit. Identifying who fits the intended playing style, which departments need reinforcement and where individual players require support will be critical.
This ensures that the incoming coach has a clear blueprint instead of starting from scratch.
Finally, Simba must adopt a long-term plan rather than chasing short-term fixes.
The next coach needs time, structure and a clear developmental pathway.
If the club can provide stability, clarity and patience, the arrival of a new manager could mark the beginning of a resurgence rather than another chapter in a cycle of disruption.
