Simba SC have shifted their attention to the Mainland Premier League after sealing qualification to the quarter-finals of the CRDB Federation Cup, with head coach Steve Barker stating that the team is now fully focused on collecting maximum points in their upcoming league fixtures.
The Dar es Salaam giants, currently based in Arusha for both league and cup assignments, have been juggling a tight schedule across competitions.
They have already played two Mainland Premier League matches during their stay, including a win over TRA United that earned them three important points.
At the same time, Simba have secured progression to the CRDB Federation Cup quarter-finals, with one league match still remaining in their Arusha campaign.
Simba will next face Fountain Gate FC on April 15 at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha in what is expected to be a competitive league encounter. The team is aiming to maintain momentum as they push for consistency in the title race.
Speaking after the cup victory, Steve Barker said the focus has now completely shifted to the league, emphasizing the importance of maintaining concentration in a demanding fixture schedule.
He noted that every league match at this stage is crucial, especially as the team seeks to secure valuable points both home and away.
Barker also praised the players for their disciplined performance in the cup match, saying he was satisfied with their level of organisation, resilience, and response under pressure. He added that the result reflected steady progress in the team’s overall development.
The coach further thanked supporters for their strong turnout and continued backing during matches in Arusha, urging them to maintain the same spirit in the upcoming fixtures as the season intensifies.
One of the team’s players, Selemani Mwalimu, described the cup match as a tough test, noting that the opponents, Dodoma Jiji, posed significant challenges.
He said Simba were put under early pressure after conceding, but the team responded well by increasing intensity, creating chances, and converting them into a winning result.
Mwalimu added that the team showed character and composure in turning the game around, stressing that such resilience will be key as Simba continue competing in both league and cup commitments.
With momentum building on two fronts, Simba now head into a crucial period of their season, where consistency, focus, and squad depth will play a decisive role in their pursuit of domestic success.
