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Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has urged his players to maintain their focus and intensity as the club enters a decisive phase of the season, with crucial matches remaining in both the NBC Premier League and the CRDB Federation Cup.
The Msimbazi giants, who still have five league fixtures to play, are continuing preparations at the Mo Arena training facility in Bunju, Dar es Salaam, as they seek to keep pressure on their title rivals and finish the campaign on a high note.
Speaking during the club’s Media Day on Monday, Barker stressed the importance of approaching each remaining fixture with maximum concentration, starting with Simba’s upcoming league clash against Pamba Jiji FC on June 14 at KMC Complex Stadium.
The South African tactician said his side's immediate objective is to secure victories in every match and accumulate as many points as possible from the remaining fixtures.
“At this stage of the season, our focus must be on ourselves. We are not looking at Yanga or any other team. What is important is that we prepare properly, remain disciplined and fight for three points in every game,” Barker said.
He added that every match from now until the end of the season should be treated like a final, given the significance of the points at stake.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that we perform consistently and avoid mistakes. If we remain focused and execute our plans well, we will give ourselves the best chance of achieving our objectives,” he said.
Meanwhile, experienced defender Shomari Kapombe said the squad is in good shape and fully committed to the task ahead.
Kapombe acknowledged that Pamba Jiji will pose a tough challenge, noting that Simba's previous encounters with the Mwanza-based side demonstrated the opponent's resilience and tactical discipline.
“We know Pamba Jiji very well and we understand the challenge they present. It will not be an easy match, but preparations have been positive and the players are ready,” Kapombe said.
He added that the team is determined to maintain its winning momentum as it battles for honours in both the league and cup competitions.
With the season entering its final stretch, Simba know there is little margin for error. Barker's message to his players is clear: remain focused, take each match as it comes, and ensure every available point is fought for until the final whistle of the campaign.
