Barker Targets Kariakoo Derby Victory as Simba Prepare During FIFA Break

After their 2-0 victory over Azam FC, Simba players will have a few days off before beginning preparations for their next match against Yanga.

The league is currently on a roughly three-week break to accommodate the FIFA international calendar, and when it resumes, it will do so with the Kariakoo Derby.

Simba head coach Steve Barker has made it clear that his aim is to win the match, and he is expected to use the break to prepare his squad thoroughly.

Barker believes Simba will be in a better position to win the match because most of his players have been together since last season and have considerable experience of such encounters. The squad has also demonstrated good form in recent matches, winning eight consecutive games across all competitions.

"A large percentage of the players at Simba were here last season, so they have a lot of experience in matches of this nature. The team has also maintained a good run of form, and that gives me confidence that it will be a good game and that we can get three points."

"I know it will not be an easy match, but for now the players deserve this short FIFA break to rest, regroup and recharge. Then we will return to the pitch and continue the fight in the league," Barker said.

During this period, Simba will be without some players who will join their respective national teams for international duty.

"If you want to attack well, you must first defend well. We are very strong when we do not have the ball, and we do not give opponents openings to penetrate," Barker said.

Barker said that although his players have made individual mistakes that he is working to correct, they have generally followed the instructions given to them in training, something that has helped them maintain their winning run in every league match they have played.

In the six Mainland Premier League matches Simba have played this season, they have won all of them against Kagera Sugar (2-0), Pamba Jiji (2-1), Singida Black Stars (2-1), Coastal Union (1-0), Geita Gold (2-0) and Azam (2-0), scoring a total of 11 goals and conceding twice.

"Those matches have increased the players' desire to keep winning every game. As a coach, that gives me even more motivation to think about tactics that will ensure we collect three points in every match," Barker said, adding:

"During the break, there are players who have not had opportunities to play. It will be a good time to assess them in training so that when we return, we will have renewed strength to continue the fight."