Robertinho elated with impact of players’ rotation

The tactician revealed the winning run is building momentum ahead of the club's participation in the African Football League later this month. 

The Msimbazi Street-based team registered a hard-fought 2-1 win against Singida Fountain Gate FC in an NBC Premier League duel at Liti Stadium in Singida to collect 15 points out of five ties played.

Oliveira has been elated with the performance showcased by players coming from the bench, with the recent impact brought about by midfielder Luis Miquissoine and center-back, Kennedy Juma, who has replaced the injured Henock Inonga, delighting the Brazilian coach.

The coach said: "It has been a very difficult start in the league, playing many away games and the schedule is a little bit limited in terms of preparing the team for each game, but I am delighted we have got good results from all these games."

The Brazilian revealed: "Players are performing well especially the backups, Miquissone came off the bench against Singida and other games and has had good results for us, Juma's partnership with Che Malone is getting better and I hope we will deliver heading into more games." 

Mozambican midfielder Miquissone so far has two assists in four NBC Premier League duels he played.

Oliveira also noted that his outfit's midfield is the pivot of the squad's success and it is an area he would not risk making many adjustments to players.

According to him, there is a tough schedule, with the outfit slated to confront Egypt's Al Ahly in the opening match of the African Football League on October 20. 

The tactician noted: "Everything starts with the midfield, if I want to either stay with the ball or play offensive transition then my midfield players are my priority and I have to choose the right players, I have few days to prepare my group for the Al Ahly game and I have so much belief in my players." 

Fabrice Ngoma and Mzamiru Yassin have dominated Simba SC midfield, given that Sadio Kanoute has not been used much in the starting eleven in recent games. 

Premier League games pitting Simba SC against Mashujaa FC at home and Ihefu SC, to be played away, have been postponed due to the former’s participation in the African Football League and the club will resume domestic league duties with a clash against Yanga on November 5.

Simba SC will play in Group B of the 2023/24 CAF Champions League, confronting Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco), ASEC Mimosas (Côte D’Ivoire) and Jwaneng Galaxy (Botswana).