Dar es Salaam. New Simba coach Steve Barker officially began his duties at Msimbazi immediately after arriving in Tanzania, holding a strategic meeting with the entire technical bench on Monday.
The meeting focused on four key areas, setting the foundation for a new direction following a challenging period in both domestic and international competitions.
According to sources within the club, the agenda points were: Simba’s participation in the Zanzibar Revolution Cup, squad assessment and transfer plans, the team’s performance in international tournaments, and the club’s current standing in the Premier League.
The Revolution Cup was given particular emphasis, providing Barker with the opportunity to observe the squad and implement his strategies before tackling more demanding fixtures ahead.
Barker immediately began training sessions with players who had already reported for camp, ensuring the team was ready to compete.
However, the squad was incomplete, as several players were still representing Tanzania in the ongoing AFCON tournament in Morocco.
These players are expected to join the squad later in Zanzibar, including Morice Abraham, Wilson Nangu, Yusuph Kagoma, Shomary Kapombe, Seleman Mwalimu, and Kibu Denis.
Yakoub Suleiman remained under close medical supervision following an injury sustained while with the national team. His return to the squad depends on medical reports and recovery progress.
Through the Revolution Cup, Barker aims to conduct a thorough evaluation of the squad, helping him make important decisions about player retention or release based on his football philosophy.
The tournament will also help identify areas of weakness and guide potential signings during the upcoming transfer window, a topic that dominated Monday’s discussions.
Internationally, Barker faces the tough challenge of restoring Simba’s form after a poor start to the CAF group stage.
Simba began with a 1-0 home defeat to Petro Luanda of Angola, followed by a 2-1 loss away to Stade Malien in Mali.
These disappointing results prompted the club to make difficult technical changes, including the departure of former head coach Dimitar Pantev.
Despite setbacks, Simba still has four remaining group-stage matches, with the January fixtures against Esperance of Tunisia being particularly crucial.
Following those matches, the team will conclude the group stage with return fixtures against Petro Luanda and Stade Malien, where strategic planning will be key.
Domestically, Simba currently sits fifth in the Premier League with 12 points, five behind leaders JKT Tanzania, and the club will be looking to improve its form under Barker’s leadership.
Overall, Barker’s arrival has opened a new chapter for Simba. Fans are eager to see if he can restore the team’s strength both at home and on the international stage, with the Revolution Cup marking the beginning of this new journey.
