Dar es Salaam. Jean Charles Ahoua’s journey with Simba has come to an abrupt but carefully calculated end, marking another major shift in the club’s rebuilding process.
Only days ago, the attacking midfielder appeared set for a move to Morocco, with strong indications that Raja Casablanca were close to securing his services before plans changed dramatically.
The Moroccan option eventually fell apart, paving the way for a new destination to emerge with speed and purpose.
It has now been confirmed that Ahoua, Simba’s top scorer and the league’s leading marksman last season with 16 goals and nine assists, has completed a transfer to Algerian champions CR Belouizdad.
The move has been driven largely by head coach Sead Ramovic, the former Yanga tactician, who personally identified Ahoua as a key addition and moved decisively to bring him to Algeria.
While the deal materialised quickly, it followed a period of growing tension, with the player increasingly unsettled about remaining at Msimbazi.
Despite having six months left on his contract, Ahoua made it clear he was unwilling to extend his stay and was determined to seek a new challenge.
Faced with the risk of losing a valuable asset for nothing, Simba’s hierarchy opted to sanction the transfer and secure a return while the opportunity still existed.
Club insiders have indicated that negotiations with Raja Casablanca collapsed due to a lack of agreement between all parties, prompting Simba to act swiftly once the Algerian offer arrived.
Ahoua’s exit has been handled with mutual respect, with Simba acknowledging his decisive role during a highly productive campaign and wishing him well in North Africa.
Even as he departs, planning has already begun to replace him, with advanced talks underway to bring in a midfielder capable of filling the creative gap he leaves behind.
Defensive reinforcements have also taken shape, highlighted by the capture of central defender Osmail Olivier Toure from Stellenbosch.
Toure’s arrival is expected to alter the defensive pecking order, with Chamou Karaboue now likely to be sent out on loan to gain regular playing time.
Simba currently boast a crowded central defence, including Abdulrazak Hamza, Rushine de Reuck, Wilson Nangu and Vedastus Masinde, forcing difficult squad-management decisions.
On the left flank, the club has completed another important piece of business by signing Nickson Kibabage from Singida Black Stars.
The experienced full-back has been brought in to bolster competition alongside Anthony Mligo and to help cover the void left by Mohammed Hussein’s departure.
Kibabage is expected to slot straight into the squad as Simba brace themselves for a demanding period, including back-to-back CAF Champions League clashes with Esperance of Tunisia.
