Harambee Stars forward Mohammed Bajaber has been left out of Simba SC’s travelling squad for their CAF Champions League Group Stage clash against Tunisia’s giants Espérance Sportive de Tunis.
This is due to the fact that the Kenyan attacker continues to battle injury setbacks that have slowed his integration at the Dar es Salaam-based club.
Bajaber joined Wekundu wa Msimbazi from SportPesa League defending champions Kenya Police FC just days before the CHAN 2024 tournament that was co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
His arrival generated excitement among Simba supporters, but a recurring injury picked up before signing forced the former Kenya Police attacker to spend his early weeks on the sidelines, delaying his competitive debut for the club.
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After recovering, Bajaber eventually made his long-awaited Simba debut in December and made an instant impression.
He marked his first appearance with a goal in a dominant 3-0 victory over Mbeya City in the Tanzania Premier League, showcasing his composure in front of goal and reminding many of the qualities that had earned him a move to one of East Africa’s biggest clubs.
He followed that up with another encouraging display in the Mapinduzi Cup, where he found the back of the net against Mumbe Makumbi City to score his second goal in Simba colours.
Just as he appeared to be building momentum and pushing for a regular place in new head coach Steve Barker’s plans, Bajaber suffered another setback.
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During a league match against Mtibwa Sugar FC, the forward was forced off the pitch only ten minutes after coming on, raising immediate concerns about his fitness.
That injury has now ruled him out of Simba’s CAF Champions League travelling squad for the crucial away fixture in Tunisia.
Barker has instead named a strengthened squad as his side looks to revive their CAF Champions League campaign. The Tanzanian giants are still searching for their first points in the group stage after suffering a 1-0 home defeat to Angola’s Petro de Luanda and a 2-1 away loss to Stade Malien.
The travelling squad includes several new faces and experienced names expected to play key roles. Ivorian central defender Olivier Touré is set to reunite with Barker following their successful stint together at Stellenbosch FC.
Niger national team goalkeeper Mahamadou Tanja has also been included, adding competition and experience in goal.
Ismail Nickson Kibabage, signed from Singida Black Stars, has earned a place while Zambian international Clatous Chama makes a return to Simba for his third spell at the club, bringing leadership and creativity to the midfield.
As Simba prepare for a tough encounter against Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Bajaber will remain on the sidelines focused on recovery, hoping to regain full fitness and play his part in the club’s domestic and continental ambitions later in the season.
Simba name CAF Champions League squad for Espérance clash
Hussein Abel, Alexander Erasto, Djibrilla Kassali
Shomari Kapombe, David Kameta, Anthony Mlgo
Nickson Kibabage, Wilson Nangu, Rushine De Reuck, Ismael Touré
Vedastus Masinde
Yusuph Kagoma, Naby Camara, Kibu Denis
Elie Mpanzu, Morice Abraham, Neo Maema
Clatous Chama, Libasse Gueye, Hussein Semfuko
Selemani Mwalimu, Jonathan Sowah