Champions League Simba coach pays price for failed group stage race

Didier Gomes optimistic before 2nd leg vs Chiefs Everything is possible

The CAF Champions League group phase qualification phase has produced its biggest casualty in coach Didier Gomes da Rosa, who has parted ways with the Tanzanian giants.

In a press statement, Simba confirmed that the French mentor had left his job, two days after the team’s 1-3 home loss to Jwaneng Galaxy from Botswana in a second-leg match played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Simba Sports Club has accepted the resignation letter of the Head Coach Didier Gomes da Rosa,” the statement, dated 26 October 2021, reads.

After an indepth discussion, both parties have mutually agreed on the terms of their separation.”

Simba have also parted ways with goalkeeper coach Milton Nienov and Fitness coach Adel Zrane.

Assistant coach Thierry Hitimana will be in charge of Simba in the interim assisted by Selemani Matola.

Simba had defeated Galaxy 2-0 at their backyard in the first leg match; hence, it looked certain the Tanzania Premier League champions would sail through to the group stages. However, it was not to be.

In the end, Gomes, who steered Simba to the semifinal stage in the previous edition of the Champions League, has paid the big price.

Earlier, Galaxy coach Ramoreboli, in a post-match interview, said his side exploited the weaknesses of Simba in dealing with set pieces.

“ [We[ try to make sure we used the blind side more and again they are very deadly on set plays but very, very weak in terms of defending set plays so we had to take advantage from there,” Ramoreboli said.

Wendell Rudath (double) and Gape Mohutsiwa were the scorers in the preliminary round second leg match.


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