Simba SC Head Coach Steve Barker has praised the club’s training camp in South Africa as a critical step in rebuilding preparations ahead of the CECAFA tournament, citing the need to address gaps after skipping a conventional pre-season programme. Barker emphasized that the team’s abrupt transition from a recent domestic campaign to the CECAFA tournament in Kigali left little time for structured preparation, making the South African camp essential for regrouping and refining tactical and physical readiness. "We didn’t have a real pre-season training camp. We went straight into a tournament in Kigali," Barker stated, highlighting the urgency of the current phase to "fix some things that we feel we need to be working on."
The South African base, according to Barker, offers high-quality facilities, including gym and recovery resources, which he described as an "ideal environment" for the squad to "fully focus, re-energise, and realign." The proximity of training and accommodation spaces further minimized logistical disruptions, allowing the team to maintain concentration. Barker also acknowledged the logistical and financial challenges of organizing an overseas camp, crediting club president Mohammed Dewji for providing the necessary support. "Since day one when I arrived at the club, the president, Dewji, has supported the team immensely," Barker said, noting Dewji’s commitment of both time and resources to the club’s development.
Dewji’s backing, Barker added, comes with an expectation of accountability, as the coach stressed the team’s responsibility to "repay the faith" invested in them through rigorous preparation. The camp’s focus includes addressing internal squad issues and enhancing readiness for upcoming challenges, with Barker framing it as a pivotal phase in aligning the team’s performance with the club’s ambitions. "It’s very important that we as a club continue to repay the faith that he gives into the team … by ensuring that we prepare as best that we can," he said, underscoring the alignment between leadership support and on-field execution.
The camp’s significance extends beyond immediate tactical adjustments, reflecting broader implications for Simba SC’s competitive strategy. By prioritizing structured preparation, the club aims to mitigate the risks of underperformance in the CECAFA tournament, a key platform for regional football development. Barker’s emphasis on resource allocation and strategic focus highlights the intersection of managerial vision and institutional backing in shaping the team’s trajectory. As the squad continues its work in South Africa, the outcomes of this phase will likely influence their approach to future competitions and the club’s long-term goals.