Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has admitted his side still have work to do after suffering a 1-0 defeat to arch-rivals Yanga in the Community Shield final.
The defeat exposed areas that Simba must improve as they continue preparations for the new season, with Barker acknowledging that his players are yet to reach their best level.
Despite the loss, the coach said he was encouraged by the commitment shown by his players, particularly during the opening 20 to 25 minutes when he felt Simba performed at their best.
“I can say that luck was not on our side, but the boys gave everything they could,” Barker said after the match.
Barker said the encounter against Yanga would provide important lessons for his team as they work towards reaching the level expected of them.
“We are not yet at our best, but this game will help us get to where we need to be,” he said.
The coach also spoke positively about new signing Elie Mpanzu, who was handed an opportunity to showcase his abilities against Yanga.
Barker said the striker demonstrated the qualities Simba were looking for, particularly his ability to compete for aerial balls and use his physical strength against defenders.
“He did what we expected from him. He showed his ability in the air and his physical strength, which was pleasing to see,” Barker said.
However, Barker cautioned that Simba should not expect the forward to immediately operate at his full potential because he only recently joined the club and has had limited preparation with the squad.
Mpanzu's arrival was also delayed by travel difficulties linked to the Ebola outbreak in the region, affecting his preparation and physical condition.
“Unfortunately, Mpanzu arrived at camp very late. He faced challenges travelling to Kigali because of the Ebola outbreak, so he is not yet at his best physically. We had planned for each player to play 45 minutes,” Barker said.
The coach explained that the technical bench had hoped Mpanzu would become more influential in the second half when the game became more open.
“We expected him to create more of a threat in the second half, especially when the game opened up, but unfortunately it did not work out that way,” he added.
Barker also suggested that Simba could still make changes to their squad before the transfer window closes.
He said it would be premature to rule out further arrivals or departures while the window remains open.
“The transfer window is still open, so you cannot know what might happen,” he said.
The Community Shield loss gives Barker and his technical team an early opportunity to identify weaknesses before the competitive season gathers pace.
For Simba, the immediate task will be to turn the lessons from the derby defeat into improvements on the pitch as they seek to build a stronger and more competitive side.
