Simba SC Announces Abdelhak Benchikha as New Head Coach

Tanzanian football giants, Simba SC, have confirmed the appointment of Abdelhak Benchikha as their new head coach following the club's underwhelming campaign in the African Football League (AFL). The announcement was made on the club's official Facebook account, signaling a new chapter for the East African powerhouse.

Simba's pursuit of AFL glory came to an abrupt end at the quarter-final stage when they were ousted by Egyptian heavyweights Al Ahly. The tie ended with an aggregate score of 3-3, but Al Ahly progressed to the semi-finals on the away goals rule. This setback led to a managerial change, with Roberto Oliveira Goncalves Do Carmo, better known as Robertinho, parting ways with the club earlier this month.

Benchikha takes the reins at a crucial juncture. Before joining Simba, he led USM Alger to victory in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup last season, demonstrating his credentials on the continental stage. His wealth of experience, spanning more than twenty years, includes stints at prominent African clubs such as Club Africain, Raja Casablanca, CS Belouizdad, and Berkane. This background positions him as an apt choice for steering Simba towards greater success.

His tenure started with a 1-1 draw in Simba's first match of the 2023/24 CAF Champions League against ASEC Mimosa. Currently, Simba is positioned third in the Tanzanian Premier League table, a spot that hardly reflects the club’s ambitions and stature. The "Reds of Msimbazi" are now banking on Benchikha's strategic acumen to propel them to the top of the domestic league and reignite their continental campaign.

Benchikha's appointment has been met with enthusiasm from the Simba faithful, who eagerly await a transformation in the team’s performance. With the AFL disappointment now in the rearview, Simba SC looks forward to a refreshed approach under their new Algerian boss, setting their sights on both domestic and African honours.

Fans and followers of African football will closely observe Benchikha's progress, anticipating the potential impact he could have on Simba SC's fortunes. Having been handed the mantle, Benchikha is expected to employ his extensive expertise to fortify Simba's strategy, refine their gameplay, and pursue sustained excellence that resonates with the club's prestigious legacy.