Simba SC have started their friendly matches in South Africa with a 1-0 defeat to Polokwane City, in a game that formed part of the team’s preparations for important fixtures in the 2026/27 season.
The match was part of Simba’s training camp, which lasted for around 10 days in Polokwane, with the aim of giving the squad an opportunity to prepare physically and tactically before returning to Dar es Salaam. Simba had earlier announced that they would face Polokwane City on October 2 before playing another friendly against Sekhukhune United in Johannesburg.
Despite the result, the friendly matches are primarily intended to give head coach Steve Barker an opportunity to assess the squad, evaluate the players’ readiness and make improvements before competitive action resumes. The Citizen also reported that the matches are aimed at helping Simba prepare for the Kariakoo Derby against Yanga.
Simba will now turn their attention to their second friendly against Sekhukhune United before returning to Dar es Salaam on October 4. The Msimbazi Reds will then continue their preparations for the Kariakoo Derby against Yanga, scheduled for October 10 at Uhuru Stadium.
