While Simba fans have already started showing excitement about Keletso Makgalwa’s ability despite his limited minutes in the CECAFA Kagame Cup opening match against Mogadishu City, which ended in a goalless draw, early signs suggest the South African attacking midfielder could become a key player in transforming Simba’s attacking department next season.
Makgalwa, who joined Simba from Sekhukhune United of South Africa, was not given much time on the pitch in the opening match, but every time he received the ball, he displayed qualities that could quickly make him a fan favourite his pace, confidence in taking on defenders one-on-one, and ability to make quick decisions in attacking areas.
He is the type of player who does not allow attacks to become predictable.
He can receive the ball on the wing, attract a defender, slow the game down or suddenly accelerate, creating space within seconds for a pass, a cross or a dangerous attacking move.
That is exactly the kind of quality Simba have needed for a long time, especially in matches where opponents sit deep with many players behind the ball and make it difficult to break them down.
Makgalwa did not arrive at Simba as an ordinary player.
During his two seasons with Sekhukhune United, he made 66 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing 20 assists.
Those numbers show that his biggest strength is not only scoring goals but also creating opportunities for his teammates.
Even in his short appearance against Mogadishu City, he managed to create a good attacking opportunity.
During the 2024/25 South African Premier Soccer League season, Makgalwa finished as one of the league’s top assist providers with 11 assists, proving his ability as one of the most creative players in the competition.
That is an important quality for Simba because a team can have talented strikers, but without players capable of delivering quality service into dangerous areas, their full potential may not be seen.
This is why Makgalwa’s arrival could give Simba a completely different attacking identity.
Coach Steve Barker now has several attacking options who can operate from wide areas, exchange positions and provide different solutions depending on the opponent.
Apart from Makgalwa, Simba also have Elie Mpanzu, Anicet Oura and Libasse Guaye. Each player brings something different.
Mpanzu can use his power and pace to attack from either side, Oura has creativity and the ability to move into central areas, while Guaye offers speed and direct attacking movement.
Makgalwa, meanwhile, brings the ability to create chances and connect the attack.
This is where Simba could become more dangerous.
Barker could use systems such as 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 and benefit from having wide players who can rotate positions without affecting the team’s structure.
Makgalwa can start on the right, with Mpanzu, Oura or Guaye operating on the left, but after a few minutes they can interchange positions and move into different attacking zones, making it difficult for defenders to predict their movements.
In many Tanzanian Premier League matches, Simba face teams that defend deep, crowding spaces and forcing them to find solutions in tight areas.
That is where a player like Makgalwa can be extremely valuable because he does not need much space to make an impact.
One dribble, one quick movement, a final pass or winning a free-kick near the penalty area can completely change the direction of a match.
Another factor that could make Simba stronger is the internal competition within the squad.
If Makgalwa starts strongly, other wide players will not have guaranteed places in the starting XI.
That competition can push every player to improve during training and competitive matches, which often raises the overall quality of the team.
