Steve Barker's Simba SC take control of title race

17.06.26 FT Premier League Tanzania

Mbeya City

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Simba SC

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Steve Barker's Simba SC moved to the summit of the table after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mbeya City in the NBC Tanzania Premier League on Wednesday.

DR Congo international Elie Mpanzu scored the decisive goal on the stroke of half-time, which proved enough to walk away with the crucial maximum points.

The Reds of Msimbazi are one point clear at the top of the log standings with 64 points accumulated from 27 games, with three fixtures remaining.

However, the defending champions and bitter rivals Young Africans have a game in hand as they are set to tackle Fountain Gate FC on Thursday.

Yanga have won the championship for the past four seasons, asserting their dominance in the Tanzanian topflight division.

Having lost the Muungano Cup to Simba in the final in April, Timu Ya Mwananchi will be eager to defend their league crown in a bid to avoid a trophyless season.

The club is also still in the CRDB Bank Federation Cup, where they are set to square off against Azam FC in the semi-final, while Simba face Coastal Union.

Meanwhile, Barker has been tasked with knocking Yanga off their perch, and he has shown glimpses of that with three Coach of the Month accolades since his arrival.

Appointed in December 2025 from Stellenbosch FC, the South African mentor will now switch his focus to the CRDB Cup fixture on Saturday.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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Mbeya City

Simba SC

Premier League Tanzania