In a significant turning point for one of East Africa’s footballing powerhouses, Fadlu Davids, the South African coach of Simba SC, has officially announced his departure from the club. This announcement follows a tumultuous period marked by disappointment and unfulfilled aspirations, promising to change the course of Simba’s future.
Hemed Suleiman, who has a solid background in coaching, will step in to run practices and develop game plans until they find the right long-term leader for the team. The management is on the lookout for someone who really gets the team’s goals and can help take them to the next level.
Fadlu’s exit comes on the heels of a fateful Community Shield match against arch-rivals Yanga on September 16, where his team suffered a heart-wrenching defeat. The loss catalyzed Davids, who expressed his desire to leave the club soon after the match. Despite management’s fervent attempts to sway him into reconsidering his decision, the coach stood firm, ultimately concluding that it was time to move on.
As news broke out, whispers within the club hinted at Davids’ imminent return to Raja Casablanca in Morocco, a club he previously managed before taking the helm at Simba. This return is seen as a significant opportunity for the coach, who reportedly received a lucrative offer that, combined with ongoing pressures at Simba, made returning to Morocco an attractive option.
Sources close to the coach reveal that his decision became more concrete following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Gaborone United in the CAF Champions League preliminary round. After that match, Davids addressed the club hierarchy, expressing that he would not be renewing his contract and was set to rejoin Raja Casablanca. Following this announcement, he took the time to bid farewell to his players, technical staff, and officials, suggesting that he might bypass returning to Tanzania entirely in favor of heading directly to Morocco.
Davids’ tenure at Simba has been a mixed bag, marked by notable highs and painful lows. His most significant achievement came on the continental stage, where he led the team to the CAF Confederation Cup final earlier this year. Unfortunately, that quest for glory ended in disappointment as Simba lost 3-1 on aggregate to RS Berkane of Morocco, with a 2-0 defeat away and a 1-1 draw back home.
Domestically, however, the results have been less favorable. Simba concluded the last season as runners-up in the Mainland Premier League, unable to reclaim the title from their fierce rivals, Yanga. In the CRDB Federation Cup, their journey ended in the semifinals with a 3-1 loss to Singida Black Stars, further complicating Davids’ legacy at the club.
One of the most significant blemishes on Davids’ record has been his performance in the “Kariakoo Derby,” where Simba faced Yanga four times under his leadership, losing each encounter. The inability to score against their greatest rivals while conceding five goals has intensified scrutiny and pressure on the coach.
As Simba prepares for a new chapter, the departure of Fadlu Davids marks the end of an era. The club now finds itself at a crossroads, eager to find a replacement who can reignite the passion and success that Simba’s passionate fanbase craves. The next steps will be crucial as they strive to reclaim their status at the pinnacle of East African football.
