Simba head coach Steve Barker says his side remains a work in progress, with the team still needing time to develop the cohesion and consistency required to compete at the highest level this season.
Barker’s assessment comes after Simba’s preparations for the new campaign, during which the coach said he had seen encouraging signs but acknowledged that the squad was yet to reach its full potential.
Speaking after Simba Day, Barker praised the club’s supporters for turning out in large numbers and described the occasion as a special day for the team.
On the pitch, however, the coach said there were clear areas that needed improvement.
He said Simba controlled much of the first half, enjoyed possession and applied pressure on their opponents but failed to make the most of the opportunities they created.
“We are still in the process of building the team. Today, we gave all 23 players an opportunity, so the team’s combination was affected slightly as the game progressed,” Barker said.
The decision to rotate the squad was part of the team’s preparations, but Barker acknowledged that it affected the rhythm and understanding among the players.
He also pointed to the limited preparation time as another factor preventing Simba from reaching the level he wants.
Some players, including Neo, only recently joined the squad, meaning the coaching staff are still working to integrate new arrivals into the team’s playing system.
“We are not yet at 100 percent of where we want to be because we have had a short period to prepare. Some players have also joined us recently,” Barker said.
Despite those limitations, the coach said he was satisfied with the progress being made within the squad.
For Barker, the immediate task is to turn individual quality into a cohesive unit capable of maintaining its intensity and organisation throughout a full 90 minutes.
“We are seeing progress within the squad. Now we need to bring everything together and get the team to perform at the level we want for the full 90 minutes,” he said.
Barker also viewed the defeat suffered on Simba Day as an important lesson rather than a setback that should derail the team’s preparations.
He said the players must learn from the result and respond positively when they return to action on Wednesday.
Simba are targeting a winning start to the new campaign, with Barker stressing the need for the team to turn its encouraging moments in pre-season into consistent performances when competitive football begins.
For the coach, the message is clear: the talent may be there, but Simba still have work to do before the team becomes the finished product he wants.
