This archive report was first published on 22 August 2020.
Simba Unveils New Signings in Colourful Ceremony ¶
On August 22, 2020, Simba Sports Club unveiled their squad for the 2020/21 season in a colourful ceremony dubbed "Simba Day" at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The event saw the introduction of new signings, including Kenyan international defender Joash "Berlin Wall" Onyango, who joined the team on a two-year contract. Onyango was among the new signings paraded before the fans at a fully-packed stadium ahead of a friendly match against Burundian side Vital'O.
Simba's Ghanaian midfielder Bernard Morrison made a theatrical entry to the podium during his introduction to the fans, declaring, "I love Simba. Simba is the university of Tanzanian football," amid a deafening uproar from the fans.
The highly-publicised event started as early as 5am when fans started trooping into the stadium clad in the traditional red jerseys. Long queues snaked their way outside the stadium as fans patiently waited to get into the stadium.
Simba, bankrolled by billionaire owner Mohammed Dewji, showed off their financial might in the event attended by thousands of fans at 60,000-seater arena. Dewji expressed his dream target of winning the African championship, stating, "I am not satisfied with only domestic success. My dream target is the African championship. Our main aim is to continue fighting and competing for the Champions League title but again managing to reach the group stage of the competition is our priority too.”
Simba won a treble last season, bagging the Community Shield, the league title and domestic cup. They will represent the country in the Caf Champions League looking to go a step further than their semi-final berth last term.
