July 18, 2025 • 21 mins
Simba's Silent Revolution: Science and Teamwork in African Football
This episode discusses Simba Sports Club, a prominent Tanzanian football team, examining its history, financial performance, and strategic initiatives for future success. One key theme is we explore the club's adoption of sports science and advanced analytical methods to enhance player performance and team strategy, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for such advancements within the African football context. It also provides statistical data on Simba's match performance, revenue generation, and fan attendance, comparing it with other teams in the Tanzanian Premier League. Finally, we reveal the club's ambitious plans for infrastructure development, including a new training facility and youth academy, aimed at achieving continental football dominance.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome back to the Deep Dive. Today we're really digging into
something fascinating from African football.
It's all about Tanzania's Simba Sports Club and they're, well,
they're huge ambitions. Yeah, it's a great.
Story And this isn't just, you know, wins and losses on the
pitch. We're looking at the strategy,
the science, some really cuttingedge stuff actually, and this
(00:22):
fierce determination they have to get back to the very top, not
just in Tanzania but across Africa.
You're definitely going to hear some things that that might
surprise you. That's right, we'll trace
Simba's history, which is prettyrich, look at the challenges
they're facing right now, and then really break down this
ambitious five pillar plan they have for a comeback. 5 pillars.
Yeah, and it covers everything. Groundbreaking use of sport
(00:43):
science, which we'll get into, and a massive new infrastructure
project too. It's it's really about how a
major club is fundamentally rethinking what it takes to be a
champion today. OK, so to really get what
Simba's aiming for, we probably need to understand their roots,
right? Where did they come from?
Definitely you have to go way back.
Take us back 1936, I read that'swhen the club actually started,
(01:07):
but not a Simba. They were called Queens.
That's it Queens. It wasn't until 1971 that they
became Simba Sports Club. Simba the lion in Swahili.
You know, symbolizing strength, power.
Makes sense. Exactly.
And they really started to live up to that name.
Oh yeah, the 70s and 80s, that was their Golden arrow, wasn't
it? Under the legendary coach
(01:27):
Abdullah Kiba Denny. Absolutely.
Kiba Denny's era they were dominant.
Multiple league titles back-to-back.
And not just locally, they made some serious waves on the
continent, too. I mean, reaching the CAF
Champions League semifinal in 74, that's big.
Huge for the time and then the CAF Cup final in 1993.
They were consistently competingat a high level.
And you had those iconic playerseveryone knew Sunday Menara,
(01:48):
Mohammed, Hussein, Jim and Mccombie household names because
of what they did for Simba then.Legends of that era.
But you know, football fortunes can change even there are
giants. Right, things weren't always
golden. No, the 1990s and early 2000s
were pretty tough periods of real instability, mostly down to
financial problems. Which is a common story,
(02:09):
unfortunately. But for a club like Simba, what
did that actually mean on the ground?
Well, it meant struggles, losingkey players they couldn't afford
to keep, difficulty maintaining facilities and just, you know, a
general dip in performance. It definitely impacted their
standing for a while. You can see how that financial
strain just ripples outwards. But then, more recently, things
(02:31):
started to turn around again. Yes, quite dramatically.
Under the leadership of businessman Muhammad Duji, his
arrival marked a real shift. And his investment?
It wasn't just like throwing cash around, was it?
It seemed more strategic. Exactly.
It was targeted investment, improving infrastructure,
building proper training facilities, being smarter about
player recruitment. It was a real blueprint for how
(02:53):
to revive a club. And the results followed.
They certainly did. Three league titles in a row,
20/18/1920 and that CF ChampionsLeague quarterfinal run in 2018
was a big statement. They were back.
Back in a big way. But the football landscape
doesn't stand still, does it? Not at all.
And right now in Tanzania, you absolutely have to talk about
their big rivals Yanga SC. Yanga.
(03:17):
Yanga have been well dominant recently.
Four straight Premier League titles.
They've hit some major milestones on the continent too.
They've really set the benchmark.
So your biggest rival is settingthe pace.
That must put immense pressure on Simba, right?
How do you respond to that? It's the ultimate challenge.
You have to raise your game. And Simba has shown signs,
(03:37):
haven't they, that run to the CFConfederation Cup final just
last season under coach Fadlu Davids in his first season?
That was significant. It wasn't just a fluke run.
It showed they are right there pushing very close to getting
back to the absolute top spot. It really sets the stage for
this strategic push we're talking about.
OK, so they've got the history, they've got the recent spark,
(03:58):
they've got the rivalry refueling them.
Let's unpack this strategy. What are these, these five
pillars? What are the critical things
Simba needs to nail down? You know, with real discipline
and a long term view to reclaim that crown.
Right. Well, pillar number one, it has
to start at the very top, strongleadership and strategic
decision making. Makes sense.
Vision from the top. Exactly when Simba was most
(04:21):
successful, they had that visionary leaders, professional
governance. What they need now is a really
clear like a three to five year football development road map
and. That's more than just tactics.
Oh, much more. It's holistic technical
development on the pitch, yes, but also infrastructure, making
sure the club is financially sustainable and performing
(04:43):
consistently well in continentalcompetitions.
It's the whole package. And stability is key there.
I imagine we've seen times wheremaybe decisions weren't
consistent, coaching changes, recruitment maybe not quite
hitting the mark. That must destabilize things.
Usually, you hit the nail on thehead.
Those past inconsistencies definitely stalled momentum.
So right now, unwavering supportfor the current coach Fadlou
(05:06):
Davids is absolutely crucial. Giving him the time and backing
to build. Precisely.
You can't build anything solid on shifting sands.
That stability is the bedrock. OK, solid leadership, clear road
map. What's pillar 2?
Pillar 2 follows directly from that smarter recruitment
specifically geared towards their continental ambitions.
Slurter. Meaning.
(05:26):
Meaning moving away from what sometimes look like a quantity
over quality approach. He'd bring in a lot of players,
but maybe only a handful really made that decisive difference in
the big games, especially those tough CF matches.
So less scattergun, more targeted.
Exactly. They need serious investment in
a proper scouting network and, crucially, data analysis using
(05:50):
data to identify the right players.
Right. Not just signing names or
players based on hype. It has to fit the system, the
tactics. Perfectly put, recruitment has
to align with tactical needs. The aim should be signing
players with a proven competitive edge, ideally
players who've already experienced high pressure
situations like deep sea Efron'sor intense derbies.
(06:11):
Players who won't wilt under pressure.
Every signing needs to either improve the starting 11 directly
or be someone who can genuinely change a game coming off the
bench. No squad fillers just for the
sake of numbers. That makes sense.
Talent is one thing, but handling pressure that leads
nicely into the next point? Maybe.
It does. Pillar 3.
Psychological strength and competitive discipline.
(06:33):
Mental toughness. The intangible.
Often the difference maker at the highest level.
Isn't it that there have been key matches, you know, against
Yonga or in those knockouts CF games where Simba seemed to
falter not necessarily because of skill, but perhaps a lack of
psychological resilience when itmattered most?
So how do you how do you train that?
(06:54):
It seems so hard to quantify. Well, it's about actively
incorporating sports psychology into the development programs,
giving players actual tools and techniques to manage pressure,
stay calm, stay focused, especially when they're playing
away in really hostile stadiums.Practical tools, not just talk.
Right. And beyond individual
psychology, it's about building a culture.
A culture of hunger, real professionalism, and just a
(07:16):
relentless desire to win every single time you step on the
pitch. Coach David's structured
approach can help instill that, but the players need the mental
tools, too. OK, leadership, smart
recruitment, mental strength Pillar 4.
Cooler 4 is about looking outwards, specifically at their
main rival in depth analysis of Yongas dominance.
Know your enemy, essentially. Pretty much to be your rival
(07:39):
consistently, you have to understand why they're
successful. Yongas recent dominance isn't
luck, it's come from long term planning, stability and coaching
a well billed squad and importantly alignment throughout
the club structure. So Simba needs to study that
model. Study it carefully, not to just
copy it blindly, but to understand the mechanics of
(08:00):
their success and then figure out how Simba can do it better.
Find their own edge. So this analysis it goes beyond
just watching Yonga play 0. Absolutely.
It needs to be a full strategic audit.
Look at their on field tactics, yes, but also dig into specific
player roles, their fitness programs, how they manage
contracts, how they engage fans,their commercial strategies,
everything. Operation.
(08:21):
Dissect every element that contributes to their success and
then build your own stronger model.
Right, that's comprehensive. OK, one pillar left.
What's #5. Pillar 5 brings the focus back
internally, player discipline and internal accountability.
This has been mentioned as an issue.
Sometimes it. Has cropped up.
There have been recurring instances of indiscipline
reported both on and off the pitch.
(08:43):
Things like training attendance,maybe not sticking to tactical
instructions, sometimes public conduct issues.
And that stuff, even if it seemssmall, it can erode the team
spirit can't. Absolutely.
It undermines trust. It chips away at that shared
identity you need in a successful squad.
Even the most talented group canfall apart if there isn't a
(09:03):
strong culture of accountability.
It's a lesson many teams learn the hard way.
So what's the fix? How do they address that?
It requires re establishing a very clear code of conduct, no
Gray areas. And it needs teeth, meaning
regular assessments of adherence, actively fostering
leadership within the dressing room, players holding each other
(09:24):
accountable and having clear internal consequences when the
rules are broken. No exceptions for big names.
None. The message has to be
unequivocal. The badge the club comes before
any individual ego. Every single player, star
signing or local youngster has to buy in and be held to the
same standard. And Coach Davids, with his
(09:45):
reputation for discipline, seemslike the right person to drive
that. He certainly has that reputation
for structure and detail, but the club hierarchy needs to back
him 100% on this. It's fundamental.
OK, Those five killers, leadership, recruitment
mentality, rival analysis, discipline, that's a solid
framework. But you mentioned something else
earlier, something about it. Silent revolution, science.
(10:09):
This is where it gets really interesting.
That recent CFF final run, it wasn't just down to good tactics
or raw talent. There was something else
powering it happening, sort of behind the scenes.
A serious embrace of sports, science and technology.
A silent revolution. I like that.
So this whole idea of science and football isn't brand new, is
it? No.
Not at all. People have been trying to
analyze the game for decades, yet pioneers like Charles Reed
(10:29):
back in the 50s counting passes and outcomes than Valerie
Lobanovsky in the 70s Much more systematic.
But technology changed. Things massively.
Video analysis in the 80s was a game changer.
Coaches could finally watch plays over and over.
But the modern era with electronic tracking systems, GPS
vest, that's taken it to a wholenew level.
The little vests players wear under their shirts.
(10:51):
Exactly, and FIFA has increasingly allowed their use.
It's shifted analysis from purely subjective coach
observations he looks tired to objective hard data.
So how is Simba actually using this stuff?
You mentioned Rito Birdian, their strength and conditioning
coach. Yes, Birdian.
His philosophy is crucial. Train the way we play.
(11:12):
It's not just about fitness and isolation.
It's about integrating data science with tactical needs and
athletic precision. Everything is connected.
How does that work in practice? What are they tracking?
They use systems like Fight Together, which provide detailed
GPS metrics. We're talking speed, distance
covered, high intensity runs, acceleration, deceleration,
player load, a whole raft of data points from every single
(11:34):
session and match. Wow.
But data is just numbers, right?How do they make it useful?
That's the key. It's about interpretation.
How does this data help improve decision making on the pitch?
How can it hel layers recover faster between games?
And critically, how can it help revent injuries, especially with
the demanding schedules they have?
Injury revention is huge. Massive If you can keep your key
(11:57):
players fit using data to managetheir load, that's a huge
advantage. It's about making science
directly serve the team's goals.And the players, are they
resistant or are they embracing this, especially with you
mentioned a lot of new players coming in?
That's what's really impressive.The buy in has apparently been
fantastic, even with about 90% of the squad being new when this
(12:17):
system was really ramped up. Really.
Yeah. And reports suggest the players
didn't just cope, they actually thrived.
They got faster, covered more distance, became more resilient
as the season went on, week by week improvements based on the
data. That says a lot, doesn't it?
Maybe about the raw potential there?
It strongly suggests that Tanzanian players, and perhaps
(12:38):
players in the region generally,have immense natural talent, but
have often lacked that structured scientific support
system to really maximize it. This could be unlocking
potential that was always there.And the relationship between the
conditioning coach Berdian and the head coach David's must be
vital. Absolutely critical.
It's described as a high functioning ecosystem.
(13:00):
Egos are apparently put aside and it's all about unity and
achieving the common goal. That synergy, that collaboration
between the technical coach, thesports scientist, the medical
team, it's essential for modern success.
It sounds ideal, but implementing this kind of high
tech approach across Africa, there must be challenges, right?
It can't be easy everywhere. Oh, definitely not.
(13:22):
There are significant hurdles towidespread adoption of this
level of performance analysis inmany parts of Africa.
Like what funding? Funding is a big one, yes.
Lack of adequate facilities is another.
And then there's a shortage of skilled professionals who know
how to use the tech and understand football.
It creates this skills dilemma. What's that?
Do you hire a computer whiz and teach them football, or hire a
(13:43):
football person and teach them the complex data analysis
software? It's a tough call for clubs with
limited resources. I see and the technology itself.
The cost of the equipment, the GPS units, the software licenses
can be prohibitive. And then you have practical
issues like unstable Internet connections in some areas, which
makes transferring large video files for analysis or getting
(14:06):
quick feedback really difficult,that technological divide, so.
Resources are a barrier. What about attitudes?
Are all coaches on board with us?
Not always you get that polarity, as you called it.
Some coaches are enthusiasts. They see the potential, but you
still have old school coaches who might be skeptical, maybe
see it as undermining their authority or challenging their
(14:28):
traditional methods based on intuition and experience.
A cultural hurdle to overcome? Definitely, and even when you
have the data and the coaches onboard, communicating it
effectively to the players is another challenge.
The feedback needs to be quick, clear and ideally very visual.
Long data heavy presentations don't work.
Think short sessions, maybe 6 minutes Max using video clips
(14:50):
linked to the data. Players, especially younger
ones, often learn best by seeing.
Keep it concise and visual. Makes sense.
So, OK, lots of challenges, but you mentioned something
interesting earlier, the hunger of the players.
Yes, Berean himself noted that in his experience, players
outside the more established leagues like South Africa often
seem more driven, hungrier to learn and improve.
(15:11):
That intrinsic motivation is a huge asset for Tanzanian
players. So that drive combined with this
new scientific approach, that could be a powerful combination.
Exactly. It suggests that investing
deeply in this invisible side offootball, the science, the
psychology, the meticulous preparation, could be the key
not just for Simba, but for unlocking much broader success
(15:32):
for Tanzanian and East African football in the continental
stage. It's potentially blueprint.
A blueprint built on science andhunger.
Fascinating. Now all this ambition, the five
pillars, the science, the infrastructure, we'll talk about
it all needs fuel, doesn't it? Money.
How does Simba stack up financially?
They stack up very well, actually.
In the most recent season, 2023-2024, Simba SC actually led
(15:56):
the entire NBC Premier League interms of revenue collections
from matches. Led the league ahead of Younger.
Narrowly, yes. They brought in around 835.8
million Tanzanian shillings. It's a clear sign of their
financial clout within the league.
And what about their overall budget?
How are they using that money? Their budget for the current
season was reported at a pretty substantial 28.4 billion
(16:18):
Tanzanian shillings, and a big chunk of that, about 6.1
billion, roughly 1/5, was earmarked specifically for
player transfers and salaries. That shows real commitment to
investing in talent. Investing heavily in the squad.
Any other interesting budget points?
Yeah, interestingly about 3 billion shillings was also set
aside specifically to clear older debts.
(16:39):
So looks like a strategy that combines investing in the
present team while also cleaningup the financial house for long
term stability. Smart, very smart.
So top revenue earners. But what about fans actually
coming through the turnstiles? How did they compare there?
That's where it flips slightly. While Simba LED in revenue,
their rivals Yonga actually had higher total attendance figures
(17:00):
for the season, about 141,000, compared to Simba's 112,000.
Interesting. So different strengths there.
Simba may be maximizing revenue per fan.
Yonga getting sheer numbers in seats.
Could be shows a different ways to measure club strength and
engagement. But Simba's fans, even if
slightly fewer, attended those specific games.
Their passion is undeniable, right?
(17:21):
Especially online. Oh absolutely incredible.
The passion is immense. You just need to look at their
online presence on TikTok. For example, content tagged with
Simba Sports Club Tanzania has something like 7.7 million
views. 7 million that's. Huge.
It shows a massive, vibrant, digitally engaged fan base that
extends far beyond just match attendees.
(17:43):
That online community is powerful.
It really is. And zooming out again, it wasn't
just Simba and Yonga making waves financially or in
attendance last season, was it? No, that's a great point.
Newly promoted teams like Messuja and Tabor United also
made a real impact, both in revenue generation and bringing
in crowds. What does that tell us about the
league? It shows increasing
competitiveness and dynamism across the Tanzanian Premier
(18:06):
League. The standard is rising, the
interest is growing. It means the established giants
like Simba can't rest on their laurels.
They have to keep innovating to stay ahead.
Constant pressure to improve. OK, so we've covered the
history, the rivalry, the five pillars, the science, the
finances, the fans. Let's look firmly ahead.
What does this all add up to forSimba's future, and what could
it mean for African football more broadly?
(18:28):
Well, the vision driving Simba forward is personified by their
chairman, Mohammed Duji. He's not thinking small.
His ambition is centered around this truly transformative
project, the Simba MO Arena. The MO Arena.
Tell us about that. It sounds like more than just a
stadium. Much more, it's envisioned as a
state-of-the-art integrated training and development
(18:50):
complex. We're talking 4.
Modern football pitches, 4 high tech gym, accommodation
buildings for players, a dedicated nutrition center,
swimming pool, even an entertainment hub and a club
museum to celebrate their history.
Wow, that's comprehensive. And, crucially, A dedicated
youth development Academy right there on site.
(19:12):
The idea is to create a pipelineof talent nurturing young
Tanzanian players within this elite environment.
So it's about securing the future, not just winning now,
investing in the grassroots. Exactly this whole project is
seen as the cornerstone for future success, not just for
Simba, but as a catalyst for sports development across
Tanzania, lifting the standards for everyone.
(19:33):
It's a massive statement of intent and the ultimate goal on
the pitch remains clear. Crystal clear.
Long term, they want to win the CFF Champions League, not just
compete. Win it.
That's the pinnacle they're aiming for.
The biggest prize in African club football?
And that's where this whole journey comes together.
The strategic leadership, the smart financial investment, the
embrace of sports science, the focus on discipline, connecting
(19:57):
with that passionate fan base, it all forms this powerful
blueprint. A blueprint for Simba, but maybe
for others too. Absolutely.
It's a model that other ambitious African clubs could
look at. How do you modernize?
How do you build sustainable success?
Sima's approach shows that footballing excellence today
isn't just about raw talent anymore.
It's about. It's built on trust within the
(20:18):
organization, meticulous planning, that relentless
attention to every detail both on and off the pitch, science,
strategy, structure. It really is a captivating story
isn't it? This blend of deep historical
pride, but also this cutting edge forward-looking approach
with the science all fueled by incredible fan passion.
It defines their path. It does, and it really makes you
(20:40):
think, well, if, as we've discussed, the science football,
the data, the analytics, if that's truly becoming central to
strategy in the modern game, what new frontiers could that
unlock for African football on the world stage?
That's a good question. What happens when the
scientific, data-driven, holistic approach becomes the
norm across the continent? Could it change the global
(21:01):
balance of power in football? It certainly has the potential
to elevate the competitiveness significantly.
Imagine that inherent talent combined with world class
preparation. It's.
Exciting to think about, and maybe for you listening, it's
worth considering too. How could that same mix, that
blend of clear strategy, using data insights smartly and adding
that passionate commitment? How could that apply to
(21:23):
achieving excellence in whateveryou pursue, even completely
outside of sport? Something to think about.
Welcome back to the Deep Dive. Today we're really digging into
something fascinating from African football.
It's all about Tanzania's Simba Sports Club and they're, well,
they're huge ambitions. Yeah, it's a great.
Story And this isn't just, you know, wins and losses on the
pitch. We're looking at the strategy,
the science, some really cuttingedge stuff actually, and this
(00:22):
fierce determination they have to get back to the very top, not
just in Tanzania but across Africa.
You're definitely going to hear some things that that might
surprise you. That's right, we'll trace
Simba's history, which is prettyrich, look at the challenges
they're facing right now, and then really break down this
ambitious five pillar plan they have for a comeback. 5 pillars.
Yeah, and it covers everything. Groundbreaking use of sport
(00:43):
science, which we'll get into, and a massive new infrastructure
project too. It's it's really about how a
major club is fundamentally rethinking what it takes to be a
champion today. OK, so to really get what
Simba's aiming for, we probably need to understand their roots,
right? Where did they come from?
Definitely you have to go way back.
Take us back 1936, I read that'swhen the club actually started,
(01:07):
but not a Simba. They were called Queens.
That's it Queens. It wasn't until 1971 that they
became Simba Sports Club. Simba the lion in Swahili.
You know, symbolizing strength, power.
Makes sense. Exactly.
And they really started to live up to that name.
Oh yeah, the 70s and 80s, that was their Golden arrow, wasn't
it? Under the legendary coach
(01:27):
Abdullah Kiba Denny. Absolutely.
Kiba Denny's era they were dominant.
Multiple league titles back-to-back.
And not just locally, they made some serious waves on the
continent, too. I mean, reaching the CAF
Champions League semifinal in 74, that's big.
Huge for the time and then the CAF Cup final in 1993.
They were consistently competingat a high level.
And you had those iconic playerseveryone knew Sunday Menara,
(01:48):
Mohammed, Hussein, Jim and Mccombie household names because
of what they did for Simba then.Legends of that era.
But you know, football fortunes can change even there are
giants. Right, things weren't always
golden. No, the 1990s and early 2000s
were pretty tough periods of real instability, mostly down to
financial problems. Which is a common story,
(02:09):
unfortunately. But for a club like Simba, what
did that actually mean on the ground?
Well, it meant struggles, losingkey players they couldn't afford
to keep, difficulty maintaining facilities and just, you know, a
general dip in performance. It definitely impacted their
standing for a while. You can see how that financial
strain just ripples outwards. But then, more recently, things
(02:31):
started to turn around again. Yes, quite dramatically.
Under the leadership of businessman Muhammad Duji, his
arrival marked a real shift. And his investment?
It wasn't just like throwing cash around, was it?
It seemed more strategic. Exactly.
It was targeted investment, improving infrastructure,
building proper training facilities, being smarter about
player recruitment. It was a real blueprint for how
(02:53):
to revive a club. And the results followed.
They certainly did. Three league titles in a row,
20/18/1920 and that CF ChampionsLeague quarterfinal run in 2018
was a big statement. They were back.
Back in a big way. But the football landscape
doesn't stand still, does it? Not at all.
And right now in Tanzania, you absolutely have to talk about
their big rivals Yanga SC. Yanga.
(03:17):
Yanga have been well dominant recently.
Four straight Premier League titles.
They've hit some major milestones on the continent too.
They've really set the benchmark.
So your biggest rival is settingthe pace.
That must put immense pressure on Simba, right?
How do you respond to that? It's the ultimate challenge.
You have to raise your game. And Simba has shown signs,
(03:37):
haven't they, that run to the CFConfederation Cup final just
last season under coach Fadlu Davids in his first season?
That was significant. It wasn't just a fluke run.
It showed they are right there pushing very close to getting
back to the absolute top spot. It really sets the stage for
this strategic push we're talking about.
OK, so they've got the history, they've got the recent spark,
(03:58):
they've got the rivalry refueling them.
Let's unpack this strategy. What are these, these five
pillars? What are the critical things
Simba needs to nail down? You know, with real discipline
and a long term view to reclaim that crown.
Right. Well, pillar number one, it has
to start at the very top, strongleadership and strategic
decision making. Makes sense.
Vision from the top. Exactly when Simba was most
(04:21):
successful, they had that visionary leaders, professional
governance. What they need now is a really
clear like a three to five year football development road map
and. That's more than just tactics.
Oh, much more. It's holistic technical
development on the pitch, yes, but also infrastructure, making
sure the club is financially sustainable and performing
(04:43):
consistently well in continentalcompetitions.
It's the whole package. And stability is key there.
I imagine we've seen times wheremaybe decisions weren't
consistent, coaching changes, recruitment maybe not quite
hitting the mark. That must destabilize things.
Usually, you hit the nail on thehead.
Those past inconsistencies definitely stalled momentum.
So right now, unwavering supportfor the current coach Fadlou
(05:06):
Davids is absolutely crucial. Giving him the time and backing
to build. Precisely.
You can't build anything solid on shifting sands.
That stability is the bedrock. OK, solid leadership, clear road
map. What's pillar 2?
Pillar 2 follows directly from that smarter recruitment
specifically geared towards their continental ambitions.
Slurter. Meaning.
(05:26):
Meaning moving away from what sometimes look like a quantity
over quality approach. He'd bring in a lot of players,
but maybe only a handful really made that decisive difference in
the big games, especially those tough CF matches.
So less scattergun, more targeted.
Exactly. They need serious investment in
a proper scouting network and, crucially, data analysis using
(05:50):
data to identify the right players.
Right. Not just signing names or
players based on hype. It has to fit the system, the
tactics. Perfectly put, recruitment has
to align with tactical needs. The aim should be signing
players with a proven competitive edge, ideally
players who've already experienced high pressure
situations like deep sea Efron'sor intense derbies.
(06:11):
Players who won't wilt under pressure.
Every signing needs to either improve the starting 11 directly
or be someone who can genuinely change a game coming off the
bench. No squad fillers just for the
sake of numbers. That makes sense.
Talent is one thing, but handling pressure that leads
nicely into the next point? Maybe.
It does. Pillar 3.
Psychological strength and competitive discipline.
(06:33):
Mental toughness. The intangible.
Often the difference maker at the highest level.
Isn't it that there have been key matches, you know, against
Yonga or in those knockouts CF games where Simba seemed to
falter not necessarily because of skill, but perhaps a lack of
psychological resilience when itmattered most?
So how do you how do you train that?
(06:54):
It seems so hard to quantify. Well, it's about actively
incorporating sports psychology into the development programs,
giving players actual tools and techniques to manage pressure,
stay calm, stay focused, especially when they're playing
away in really hostile stadiums.Practical tools, not just talk.
Right. And beyond individual
psychology, it's about building a culture.
A culture of hunger, real professionalism, and just a
(07:16):
relentless desire to win every single time you step on the
pitch. Coach David's structured
approach can help instill that, but the players need the mental
tools, too. OK, leadership, smart
recruitment, mental strength Pillar 4.
Cooler 4 is about looking outwards, specifically at their
main rival in depth analysis of Yongas dominance.
Know your enemy, essentially. Pretty much to be your rival
(07:39):
consistently, you have to understand why they're
successful. Yongas recent dominance isn't
luck, it's come from long term planning, stability and coaching
a well billed squad and importantly alignment throughout
the club structure. So Simba needs to study that
model. Study it carefully, not to just
copy it blindly, but to understand the mechanics of
(08:00):
their success and then figure out how Simba can do it better.
Find their own edge. So this analysis it goes beyond
just watching Yonga play 0. Absolutely.
It needs to be a full strategic audit.
Look at their on field tactics, yes, but also dig into specific
player roles, their fitness programs, how they manage
contracts, how they engage fans,their commercial strategies,
everything. Operation.
(08:21):
Dissect every element that contributes to their success and
then build your own stronger model.
Right, that's comprehensive. OK, one pillar left.
What's #5. Pillar 5 brings the focus back
internally, player discipline and internal accountability.
This has been mentioned as an issue.
Sometimes it. Has cropped up.
There have been recurring instances of indiscipline
reported both on and off the pitch.
(08:43):
Things like training attendance,maybe not sticking to tactical
instructions, sometimes public conduct issues.
And that stuff, even if it seemssmall, it can erode the team
spirit can't. Absolutely.
It undermines trust. It chips away at that shared
identity you need in a successful squad.
Even the most talented group canfall apart if there isn't a
(09:03):
strong culture of accountability.
It's a lesson many teams learn the hard way.
So what's the fix? How do they address that?
It requires re establishing a very clear code of conduct, no
Gray areas. And it needs teeth, meaning
regular assessments of adherence, actively fostering
leadership within the dressing room, players holding each other
(09:24):
accountable and having clear internal consequences when the
rules are broken. No exceptions for big names.
None. The message has to be
unequivocal. The badge the club comes before
any individual ego. Every single player, star
signing or local youngster has to buy in and be held to the
same standard. And Coach Davids, with his
(09:45):
reputation for discipline, seemslike the right person to drive
that. He certainly has that reputation
for structure and detail, but the club hierarchy needs to back
him 100% on this. It's fundamental.
OK, Those five killers, leadership, recruitment
mentality, rival analysis, discipline, that's a solid
framework. But you mentioned something else
earlier, something about it. Silent revolution, science.
(10:09):
This is where it gets really interesting.
That recent CFF final run, it wasn't just down to good tactics
or raw talent. There was something else
powering it happening, sort of behind the scenes.
A serious embrace of sports, science and technology.
A silent revolution. I like that.
So this whole idea of science and football isn't brand new, is
it? No.
Not at all. People have been trying to
analyze the game for decades, yet pioneers like Charles Reed
(10:29):
back in the 50s counting passes and outcomes than Valerie
Lobanovsky in the 70s Much more systematic.
But technology changed. Things massively.
Video analysis in the 80s was a game changer.
Coaches could finally watch plays over and over.
But the modern era with electronic tracking systems, GPS
vest, that's taken it to a wholenew level.
The little vests players wear under their shirts.
(10:51):
Exactly, and FIFA has increasingly allowed their use.
It's shifted analysis from purely subjective coach
observations he looks tired to objective hard data.
So how is Simba actually using this stuff?
You mentioned Rito Birdian, their strength and conditioning
coach. Yes, Birdian.
His philosophy is crucial. Train the way we play.
(11:12):
It's not just about fitness and isolation.
It's about integrating data science with tactical needs and
athletic precision. Everything is connected.
How does that work in practice? What are they tracking?
They use systems like Fight Together, which provide detailed
GPS metrics. We're talking speed, distance
covered, high intensity runs, acceleration, deceleration,
player load, a whole raft of data points from every single
(11:34):
session and match. Wow.
But data is just numbers, right?How do they make it useful?
That's the key. It's about interpretation.
How does this data help improve decision making on the pitch?
How can it hel layers recover faster between games?
And critically, how can it help revent injuries, especially with
the demanding schedules they have?
Injury revention is huge. Massive If you can keep your key
(11:57):
players fit using data to managetheir load, that's a huge
advantage. It's about making science
directly serve the team's goals.And the players, are they
resistant or are they embracing this, especially with you
mentioned a lot of new players coming in?
That's what's really impressive.The buy in has apparently been
fantastic, even with about 90% of the squad being new when this
(12:17):
system was really ramped up. Really.
Yeah. And reports suggest the players
didn't just cope, they actually thrived.
They got faster, covered more distance, became more resilient
as the season went on, week by week improvements based on the
data. That says a lot, doesn't it?
Maybe about the raw potential there?
It strongly suggests that Tanzanian players, and perhaps
(12:38):
players in the region generally,have immense natural talent, but
have often lacked that structured scientific support
system to really maximize it. This could be unlocking
potential that was always there.And the relationship between the
conditioning coach Berdian and the head coach David's must be
vital. Absolutely critical.
It's described as a high functioning ecosystem.
(13:00):
Egos are apparently put aside and it's all about unity and
achieving the common goal. That synergy, that collaboration
between the technical coach, thesports scientist, the medical
team, it's essential for modern success.
It sounds ideal, but implementing this kind of high
tech approach across Africa, there must be challenges, right?
It can't be easy everywhere. Oh, definitely not.
(13:22):
There are significant hurdles towidespread adoption of this
level of performance analysis inmany parts of Africa.
Like what funding? Funding is a big one, yes.
Lack of adequate facilities is another.
And then there's a shortage of skilled professionals who know
how to use the tech and understand football.
It creates this skills dilemma. What's that?
Do you hire a computer whiz and teach them football, or hire a
(13:43):
football person and teach them the complex data analysis
software? It's a tough call for clubs with
limited resources. I see and the technology itself.
The cost of the equipment, the GPS units, the software licenses
can be prohibitive. And then you have practical
issues like unstable Internet connections in some areas, which
makes transferring large video files for analysis or getting
(14:06):
quick feedback really difficult,that technological divide, so.
Resources are a barrier. What about attitudes?
Are all coaches on board with us?
Not always you get that polarity, as you called it.
Some coaches are enthusiasts. They see the potential, but you
still have old school coaches who might be skeptical, maybe
see it as undermining their authority or challenging their
(14:28):
traditional methods based on intuition and experience.
A cultural hurdle to overcome? Definitely, and even when you
have the data and the coaches onboard, communicating it
effectively to the players is another challenge.
The feedback needs to be quick, clear and ideally very visual.
Long data heavy presentations don't work.
Think short sessions, maybe 6 minutes Max using video clips
(14:50):
linked to the data. Players, especially younger
ones, often learn best by seeing.
Keep it concise and visual. Makes sense.
So, OK, lots of challenges, but you mentioned something
interesting earlier, the hunger of the players.
Yes, Berean himself noted that in his experience, players
outside the more established leagues like South Africa often
seem more driven, hungrier to learn and improve.
(15:11):
That intrinsic motivation is a huge asset for Tanzanian
players. So that drive combined with this
new scientific approach, that could be a powerful combination.
Exactly. It suggests that investing
deeply in this invisible side offootball, the science, the
psychology, the meticulous preparation, could be the key
not just for Simba, but for unlocking much broader success
(15:32):
for Tanzanian and East African football in the continental
stage. It's potentially blueprint.
A blueprint built on science andhunger.
Fascinating. Now all this ambition, the five
pillars, the science, the infrastructure, we'll talk about
it all needs fuel, doesn't it? Money.
How does Simba stack up financially?
They stack up very well, actually.
In the most recent season, 2023-2024, Simba SC actually led
(15:56):
the entire NBC Premier League interms of revenue collections
from matches. Led the league ahead of Younger.
Narrowly, yes. They brought in around 835.8
million Tanzanian shillings. It's a clear sign of their
financial clout within the league.
And what about their overall budget?
How are they using that money? Their budget for the current
season was reported at a pretty substantial 28.4 billion
(16:18):
Tanzanian shillings, and a big chunk of that, about 6.1
billion, roughly 1/5, was earmarked specifically for
player transfers and salaries. That shows real commitment to
investing in talent. Investing heavily in the squad.
Any other interesting budget points?
Yeah, interestingly about 3 billion shillings was also set
aside specifically to clear older debts.
(16:39):
So looks like a strategy that combines investing in the
present team while also cleaningup the financial house for long
term stability. Smart, very smart.
So top revenue earners. But what about fans actually
coming through the turnstiles? How did they compare there?
That's where it flips slightly. While Simba LED in revenue,
their rivals Yonga actually had higher total attendance figures
(17:00):
for the season, about 141,000, compared to Simba's 112,000.
Interesting. So different strengths there.
Simba may be maximizing revenue per fan.
Yonga getting sheer numbers in seats.
Could be shows a different ways to measure club strength and
engagement. But Simba's fans, even if
slightly fewer, attended those specific games.
Their passion is undeniable, right?
(17:21):
Especially online. Oh absolutely incredible.
The passion is immense. You just need to look at their
online presence on TikTok. For example, content tagged with
Simba Sports Club Tanzania has something like 7.7 million
views. 7 million that's. Huge.
It shows a massive, vibrant, digitally engaged fan base that
extends far beyond just match attendees.
(17:43):
That online community is powerful.
It really is. And zooming out again, it wasn't
just Simba and Yonga making waves financially or in
attendance last season, was it? No, that's a great point.
Newly promoted teams like Messuja and Tabor United also
made a real impact, both in revenue generation and bringing
in crowds. What does that tell us about the
league? It shows increasing
competitiveness and dynamism across the Tanzanian Premier
(18:06):
League. The standard is rising, the
interest is growing. It means the established giants
like Simba can't rest on their laurels.
They have to keep innovating to stay ahead.
Constant pressure to improve. OK, so we've covered the
history, the rivalry, the five pillars, the science, the
finances, the fans. Let's look firmly ahead.
What does this all add up to forSimba's future, and what could
it mean for African football more broadly?
(18:28):
Well, the vision driving Simba forward is personified by their
chairman, Mohammed Duji. He's not thinking small.
His ambition is centered around this truly transformative
project, the Simba MO Arena. The MO Arena.
Tell us about that. It sounds like more than just a
stadium. Much more, it's envisioned as a
state-of-the-art integrated training and development
(18:50):
complex. We're talking 4.
Modern football pitches, 4 high tech gym, accommodation
buildings for players, a dedicated nutrition center,
swimming pool, even an entertainment hub and a club
museum to celebrate their history.
Wow, that's comprehensive. And, crucially, A dedicated
youth development Academy right there on site.
(19:12):
The idea is to create a pipelineof talent nurturing young
Tanzanian players within this elite environment.
So it's about securing the future, not just winning now,
investing in the grassroots. Exactly this whole project is
seen as the cornerstone for future success, not just for
Simba, but as a catalyst for sports development across
Tanzania, lifting the standards for everyone.
(19:33):
It's a massive statement of intent and the ultimate goal on
the pitch remains clear. Crystal clear.
Long term, they want to win the CFF Champions League, not just
compete. Win it.
That's the pinnacle they're aiming for.
The biggest prize in African club football?
And that's where this whole journey comes together.
The strategic leadership, the smart financial investment, the
embrace of sports science, the focus on discipline, connecting
(19:57):
with that passionate fan base, it all forms this powerful
blueprint. A blueprint for Simba, but maybe
for others too. Absolutely.
It's a model that other ambitious African clubs could
look at. How do you modernize?
How do you build sustainable success?
Sima's approach shows that footballing excellence today
isn't just about raw talent anymore.
It's about. It's built on trust within the
(20:18):
organization, meticulous planning, that relentless
attention to every detail both on and off the pitch, science,
strategy, structure. It really is a captivating story
isn't it? This blend of deep historical
pride, but also this cutting edge forward-looking approach
with the science all fueled by incredible fan passion.
It defines their path. It does, and it really makes you
(20:40):
think, well, if, as we've discussed, the science football,
the data, the analytics, if that's truly becoming central to
strategy in the modern game, what new frontiers could that
unlock for African football on the world stage?
That's a good question. What happens when the
scientific, data-driven, holistic approach becomes the
norm across the continent? Could it change the global
(21:01):
balance of power in football? It certainly has the potential
to elevate the competitiveness significantly.
Imagine that inherent talent combined with world class
preparation. It's.
Exciting to think about, and maybe for you listening, it's
worth considering too. How could that same mix, that
blend of clear strategy, using data insights smartly and adding
that passionate commitment? How could that apply to
(21:23):
achieving excellence in whateveryou pursue, even completely
outside of sport? Something to think about.
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