- Harambee Stars forward Mohammed Bajaber will now work under Bulgarian coach Dimitar Pantev at Simba Sports Club.
- Pantev has been appointed as the new head coach of Simba SC, following the departure of South African tactician Fadlu Davids.
- His first major assignment will be to lead Simba in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round against Eswatini’s Nsingizini FC, right after the FIFA international break.
Harambee Stars forward Mohammed Bajaber will now work under Bulgarian coach Dimitar Pantev, who has been appointed as the new head coach of Simba SC following the departure of South African Coach Fadlu Davids.
The Tanzanian giants announced Pantev’s appointment on Friday. His first major assignment will be to guide Simba in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round against Eswatini’s Nsingizini FC after the FIFA International break.
Mohammed Bajaber gets new coach at Simba SC
The Bulgarian, who began his coaching career in 2006, brings vast experience to the Wekundu wa Msimbazi.
He has previously managed clubs such as Vladislav Varna, Shabla, Grand Pro Varna Futsal Club and the Bulgaria national futsal team.
His coaching journey has also taken him to Spartak Varna, Palestinian side Alshoban Almuslimin Hebron, Svetkavitsa Targovishte, Victoria United in Cameroon, FC Johansen in Sierra Leone and his immediate former side Gaborone United in Botswana.
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While at Gaborone United, Pantev led the club to the Botswana Premier League title and guided them to the CAF Champions League preliminaries, where they were eliminated by Simba.
Gaborone United confirmed his resignation on Friday, revealing that he had informed the club of his decision and bid farewell to players and staff before his departure.
Pantev will be assisted by fellow Bulgarian Boyko Kamenov, with Simba set to unveil the rest of the technical team including a goalkeeping coach and other support staff when training resumes on Monday.
Dimitar Pantev on his first assignment with Simba
Speaking ahead of the resumption, Simba’s Communications and Media Manager Ahmed Ally emphasized the team’s focus on the upcoming Champions League clash.
“Those on national duty will return in time to join the rest of the squad as we travel to Eswatini for the match. Monday marks our official return to training, and this time we will have a complete technical team in place,” said Ally.
Pantev replaces Fadlu Davids, who left Simba after leading them to a 1-0 win over Gaborone United in the first leg before joining Raja Casablanca in Morocco.
During his unveiling, Pantev expressed excitement about his new challenge and belief that he can settle quickly.
“This is a big challenge and a great opportunity for me. Simba is a big club with high expectations in every competition. It will not be easy, especially with our next match in just 10 days, but I have taken this chance to help the team. I believe it will not take long for me to adapt to the league,” said the Bulgarian tactician.
Simba had been temporarily managed by Tanzania national team coach Hemed Suleiman, who oversaw their 1-1 draw against Gaborone United at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium a result that sealed a 2-1 aggregate win and qualification to the next round.
Mohammed Bajaber yet to make a competitive appearance with Simba
The Tanzanian giants will face Nsingizini FC in a two-legged tie, starting away in Eswatini on October 17, before hosting the return leg at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on October 24.
For Mohammed Bajaber, who is yet to make his competitive debut for Simba due to injury, this change offers a fresh start.
The forward, who joined from SportPesa League defending champions, Kenya Police FC, will be eager to regain full fitness and compete for a place in the squad alongside Elie Mpanzu, Kibu Dennis, Joshua Mutale, and Selemani Mwalimu hoping to impress the new coach once he returns to action.