“Simba Sports Club”, Affectionately known as “Wekundu wa Msimbazi” (The Reds of Msimbazi), Isn’t just a football team—it’s a “Tanzanian” Institution. Founded in 1936 And Rooted in the heart of “Dar es Salaam”, “Simba S.C.’ has become a Powerhouse in “East African” football, Boasting passionate supporters, A Treasure trove of Trophies, And Growing Continental Influence.
Home Of The Lions”: Where It All Began
From The Queens to Simba: A Club Reborn
Originally Formed as “The Queens” in 1936 by a breakaway group From “Young Africans S.C”. (Yanga), The Club Underwent several Transformations—Sunderland being the most notable—before rebranding as Simba in 1971. The ‘Swahili” Word for “lion,” Simba Reflects the Club’s Aggressive, Proud, And Fearless Playing Style.
Msimbazi Street to Benjamin Mkapa Stadium
“Simba S.C”. is Headquartered On “Msimbazi Street” in “Kariakoo”, A Symbolic anchor to Its community roots. Home games are played at the “Benjamin Mkapa Stadium”—A 60,000-Seat Fortress That Comes Alive with drums, Chants, And Red Shirts during matchdays, Particularly during the “Kariakoo Derby”.
Continental Breakthrough: Simba on the African Stage
Simba S.C. isn’t just a local champion—it’s a growing force in African club football.
CAF Champions League Highlights
- 2023–24: Quarter-final finish, showcasing the club’s rising status
- Multiple group-stage appearances and consistent progress
CAF Confederation Cup Glory
- 1993 & 2025: Finalists, reinforcing Simba’s continental pedigree
CECAFA Club Championship
- 6-time champions, including back-to-back wins in the ‘90s(1974, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996, 2002)
These performances have earned Simba a 4th-place African club ranking (IFFHS, May 2024–April 2025) and 105th globally, a testament to its strategic growth.
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Kariakoo Derby
Tanzania’s Fiercest Rivalry
There’s nothing quite like a Simba vs. Yanga match. The Kariakoo Derby ignites Dar es Salaam and captivates the nation, drawing huge crowds and millions of TV viewers.
- Most famous result. “Simba’s?” 6–0 Demolition of “Yanga” In “1977”, Still Celebrated As the Greatest “Derby” win in “Tanzanian” Football.
Whether It’s League matches or cup Finals, The Rivalry represents a clash of Legacy, Identity, And Pride.
“Leadership”, “Ownership” And “Vision” For The Future
Modern Ownership Structure
- 51% owned by club members
- 49% held by billionaire Mohamed Dewji, a driving force behind the club’s commercialization and digitization
Trailblazing Management
- Barbara Gonzalez, appointed in 2020, became the first female CEO in Tanzanian football—symbolizing a modern, progressive shift.
- Fadlu Davids, the current head coach, brings tactical acumen and international experience to Simba’s dynamic squad.
The Future: Building a Global Tanzanian Brand
- Simba S.C. is more than a football club. It’s a national symbol of unity, ambition, and excellence. With plans for:
- Youth development academies
- Modern training facilities
- Global partnerships
- Simba is positioning itself to become Africa’s next football superpower.
Final Take: Why Simba S.C. Matters
Simba Sports Club is not just winning games—it’s shaping Tanzanian football’s destiny. Through elite performance, visionary leadership, and unshakable community support, Simba S.C. remains the beating heart of football in Tanzania.