Another level: Simba unveil Harambee Stars ace in colourful event

Tanzanian champions Simba Sports Club Saturday unveiled their squad for the 2020/21 season at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam in a colourful ceremony dubbed "Simba Day."

Kenyan international defender Joash "Berlin Wall" Onyango was among the new signings paraded before the Msimbazi faithful at a fully-packed stadium ahead of a friendly match against Burundian side Vital'O.

Onyango, who was named in the first eleven, recently joined the team on a two-year contract and will reunite with former Gor Mahia teammates Francis Kahata and Meddie Kagere. Chris Mugalu, Ibrahim Ame, Larry Bwalya were among other new signings introduced to the fans on the day.

Ghanaian Bernard Morrison, who has been the talk of town following his move to Simba from arch-rivals Young Africans (Yanga), was the star of the show making a theatrical entrance to the podium before grabbing the microphone from club spokesman Haji Manara and declaring:

"I love Simba. Simba is the university of Tanzanian football," said Morrison amid a deafening uproar from the fans.

Morrison ensured he carried the day when he opened the scoring against Vital'O on the brink of half time as the hosts ran out 6-0 winners to cap a memorable day for Simba.

Simba, bankrolled by billionaire owner Mohammed Dewji, showed off their financial might in the event attended by thousands of fans at 60,000-seater arena. In Dodoma, their arch rivals Yanga also opened their sporting week dubbed Sportpesa #WikiyaMwananchi though the event was low key compared to the one in Dar es Salaam.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi's big day was a celebration of the club’s success last term and in the transfer window ahead of the new season which kicks off on September 6. The unveiling of new signings before the fans has become a tradition but this one was done in style consistent with the club's mission to conquer Africa.

"I am not satisfied with only domestic success. My dream target is the African championship. Our main aim is to continue fighting and competing for the Champions League title but again managing to reach the group stage of the competition is our priority too,” said Dewji.

The highly-publicised event started as early as 5am when fans started trooping into the stadium clad in the traditional red jerseys. Long queues snaked their way outside the stadium as fans patiently waited to get into the stadium.

The day began with a game pitting Simba Under-20 against Fountain Gates before the unveiling of Simba Queens players who later made light work of Mlandizi Queens in another friendly match played at the same venue.

Bongo star artist Diamond Platnumz, who recently released a new anthem for Simba, stormed the stadium in style. Manara and Diamond arrived for the big day aboard a helicopter which landed right in the middle of stadium.

Diamond entertained thousands of fans with his Bongo hits making rounds in the stands in an electric performance that caused a spike in online viewers on YouTube to around 25,000 viewers. He invited Dewji for a dance to the new club anthem before taking off in the helicopter amid raucous applause from the fans.

Last Sunday, Simba marked the Champions Week with three events; revealing the new logo of the club, introducing the new kit as well as unveiling the new signings for the upcoming season.

Simba won a treble last season, bagging the Community Shield, the league title and domestic cup. They will represent the country in the Caf Champions League looking to go a step further than their semi-final berth last term.

Perhaps, their 6-0 drubbing of Vital'O albeit in a pre-season friendly could be a pointer of good things to come from Sven Vandenbroeck and his charges. Another level indeed!

Additional reporting by Thomas Ng'itu.