Simba SC have completed the signing of striker Anicet Oura as a free agent, with the Ivorian reuniting with coach Steve Barker, who he worked with at Stellenbosch FC.
The 26-year-old is unattached after leaving Swedish side IF Gnistan at the end of 2025. Oura also teams up with compatriot and former Stellies teammate Ismael Toure, who was signed by Barker for Simba earlier this January.
The former AmaZulu coach is trying to strengthen his squad into a competitive unit as the Tanzanian giants chase glory both at home and on the continent.
Simba are currently sixth on the Tanzanian Premier League table, having 13 points from six games. Giving them hope of claiming top spot is that they have eight points fewer than log leaders JKT Tanzania, who have played six games more than them.
However, the CAF Champions League appears to be very challenging for the Reds of Msimbazi. They have lost all their Group D games so far, scoring just one goal and conceding four times, as the anchor of the standings.
Stade Malien, Esperance and Petro Atletico complete their group. That leaves Simba with a lot to play for in a season they are in the Champions League after reaching the final of the CAF Confederation Cup last term.
It is also the first time Barker has coached in the elite African club competition, a test that might have attracted him when he surprisingly dumped Stellenbosch for Simba. Now, the Eswatini-born coach has turned to Oura as he tries to improve their fortunes upfront.
A LOOK AT OURA’S RECENT EXPLOITS AS SIMBA SEARCH FOR A PROLIFIC GOAL-SCORER
During the 2023/24 season at Stellenbosch, Oura struggled to establish himself as a prolific goal-scorer. He managed eight goals and two assists in 34 games across all competitions.
A move to Qatari second-tier side Muaither SC yielded two goals in as many games. Before he headed to Finland for another difficult stint, he failed to score in five appearances. He last tasted competitive football in August 2025.
An unsuccessful spell overseas has been followed by the Simba move, where he has to prove he is the kind of forward Barker has been looking for. His immediate task would be to help the Tanzanian heavyweights improve up front in the Champions League.
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