SIMBA SC head coach Steve Barker has confirmed that the club is actively searching for a new goalkeeper following injuries to first-choice duo Yakoub Suleiman and Moussa Camara.

Barker’s confirmation comes amid reports that the Msimbazi giants have entered the race to sign Pamba Jiji FC shot-stopper Yona Amos as an emergency mid-season replacement. Suleiman recently suffered a knee injury while on international duty with Tanzania in the African Cup of  Nations in Morocco, ruling him out for over a month, while Camara is also expected to be sidelined for a similar period.

 Speaking candidly about the situation, coach Barker (pictured) admitted that the current vacancy between the posts is a primary area of concern that must be addressed before the transfer window shuts. "I think it's important to acknowledge that our two first-choice goalkeepers are both currently injured," Barker told reporters. "That is an area that we have to look at. It's an area of concern, and it's vital that we look for immediate solutions. There are certain areas where I believe we need to be better and we need to strengthen the squad. We will be doing that."

 Barker emphasized that while individual talent is necessary, the goal is to stabilize the group. "The important part is to get the team together and get the group focused. We cannot compete at the level we desire if we are vulnerable in such a specialist position," he said.

 Simba’s interest has turned towards Amos, who has built a growing reputation since joining Pamba Jiji. Last season, Amos featured in 28 league matches, leading the division with 69 saves and recording 11 clean sheets. His performances earned him three Player of the Month awards and drew attention from multiple Mainland Premier League clubs.

 Prior to Simba’s approach, Young Africans were initially reported to have made enquiries regarding Amos, though talks with Pamba Jiji did not yield any agreement despite indications that the player was open to leaving Mwanza. With Young Africans cooling their pursuit, Simba have moved into what sources describe as “advanced discussions” to secure the goalkeeper as a short-term solution, though a final agreement has yet to be confirmed.

 Simba’s injury crisis could not come at a worse time. The club sits bottom of their CAF Champions League Group D after opening defeats against Petro de Luanda of Angola and Mali’s Stade Malien.  Their immediate assignment is a crucial back-to-back showdown with Tunisian giants Esperance. Simba will travel to Tunis on January 23 before hosting Esperance in Dar es Salaam seven days later. The two-legged encounter is effectively a do-or-die scenario for Simba’s continental ambitions, with any further slip likely to end their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.