In a shocking audio interview, Gakumba, who is the agent of Rwandese striker Meddie Kagere, has claimed Simba’s French tactician should squarely be held accountable for the exit owing to his decision not to start Kagere alongside Bocco.
“Let me tell you writers of football, especially those asking me why Meddie [Kagere] did not play in the game against Kaizer [Chiefs] at Mkapa Stadium, and I have to say Kagere did not play because the coach did not want him to play, the coach is the one with powers to decide which player plays, who does not,” Gakumba explained in the recorded audio.
But according to the millionaire boss, despite exiting the competition, he was proud of his players and further stated not only did they outplay Chiefs at home, but they also made them look mediocre throughout the match.
Simba not only outplayed Kaizer Chiefs. We made them look very mediocre Mohammed Dewji MO (@moodewji) May 23, 2021
“Simba not only outplayed Kaizer [Chiefs], but we made them look very mediocre,” Dewji, who bankrolls the Mainland Premier League champions wrote on his social media pages.
“Yesterday’s [Saturday’s] match against Kaizer Chiefs was to be a tough one from the start. Our players did their best and showed character and for that, I am so proud of them. We didn’t make it to the semi-finals but we live to fight for another day.”
Nusu fainali za Ligi ya mabingwa Afrika haitokuwa na mvuto bila ya Simba
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His statement comes just two days after he stated he was proud of his players.
“Simba not only outplayed Kaizer [Chiefs], but we made them look very mediocre,” Dewji said. “Yesterday’s [Saturday’s] match against Kaizer Chiefs was to be a tough one from the start.
“Our players did their best and showed character and for that, I am so proud of them. We didn’t make it to the semi-finals but we live to fight for another day.”
At Mkapa Stadium, Simba scored their goals through captain John Bocco, who notched a double, while Zambian midfielder Clatous Chama scored the third but it was not enough to help them reach the last four.
“We don’t have any team that can represent Tanzania well in such a competition apart from Simba, or else, the same teams cannot do it without the presence of Simba, so all I know is Simba will represent Tanzania in the Champions League for the next 15 to 20 years.”
Meanwhile, Simba have named captain John Bocco as their man of the match from the Kaizer Chiefs match.
The towering Taifa Stars forward returned to the Simba squad after missing the first leg in South Africa and was the star man as he scored the first two goals before Clatous Chama added the third, forcing Chiefs to defend with all their lives until the final whistle.