Dar es Salaam, December 2, 2025: Simba SC has officially announced the mutual termination of Dimitar Pantev’s contract, concluding his brief and tumultuous tenure as head coach. Appointed on October 3, 2025, Pantev’s time at the helm lasted only 61 days, characterized by disappointing performances both in domestic leagues and continental competitions.
The announcement came as the club grappled with mounting pressure following a series of uninspired performances. Under Pantev’s guidance, Simba struggled considerably in the group stage of the CAF Champions League, recording a disheartening zero points after two outings. The team faced a 1–0 defeat at home to Angola’s Petro Atletico and was subsequently dismissed with a 2–1 loss to Stade Malien in Mali, placing them at the bottom of Group D and casting doubts on their aspirations for success on the continental stage.
In domestic play, Simba managed only a single league victory during Pantev’s brief leadership, a 2–1 win against JKT Tanzania. The club’s overall record during his time amounted to just two wins, one draw, and two losses across five competitive fixtures, sparking concerns about the direction of the team under his management.
The Simba Board of Directors released a statement confirming the termination, citing the mutual agreement as a necessary step aimed at restoring the club’s competitive edge. The statement emphasized the club’s need for a clear vision that aligns with its goals both locally and continentally.
In light of Pantev’s departure, assistant coach Selemani Matola has been appointed as the interim manager while the club embarks on a search for a new head coach. This transitional period comes at a crucial juncture, as Simba prepares to face Mbeya City in the Mainland Premier League, followed by the much-anticipated Mzizima Derby against rivals Azam FC on December 7.
Pantev’s stint at Simba is notably marked as one of the shortest and most challenging coaching periods in the club’s history, adding to the mounting list of coaching changes the club has experienced recently. Prior to his arrival at Msimbazi, Pantev had an equally brief tenure at Gaborone United in Botswana, lasting eight months.
As Simba SC seeks to regain its footing amidst these changes, fans and stakeholders alike await the next chapter in the club’s pursuit of excellence, hoping for a swift return to form and success on the pitch.
