Selemani Mwalimu has completed a dramatic move after turning his back on Simba SC to join bitter rivals Young Africans. The striker’s move to Yanga comes after he had spent the entire pre-season with Simba and was even announced as a new signing by the club. But the deal quickly collapsed.
Mwalimu’s parent club, Wydad Athletic Club, warned Simba against announcing the player after the two parties failed to finalise the agreed loan arrangement. Simba had been in communication with both Wydad and the player but reportedly did not commit to paying the agreed loan fee. That opened the door for Yanga.
The Jangwani giants moved quickly to reach an agreement with Wydad and secure the striker’s services. Mwalimu had left Simba’s pre-season camp in Rwanda on 29 July after his loan spell came to an end and was expected to return to Wydad. Instead, he is now heading to Simba’s biggest rivals, who are coached by Manqoba Mngqithi.
THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONNECTION IN SELEMANI MWALIMU’S MOVE
And there is a strong South African connection to the move. Mwalimu was signed by Rulani Mokwena during the coach’s time at Wydad and worked under the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach in Morocco.
Last season, he was coached by two South Africans, Fadlu Davids and Steve Barker, at Simba. Despite limited regular game time among Simba’s attacking options, Mwalimu still managed to score nine goals. Now he gets another opportunity at Yanga, where his experience could prove valuable.
Yanga already have Peter Shalulile and Cheikh Toure leading their attacking options, but Mwalimu’s arrival strengthens their depth as they prepare to compete on multiple fronts.
The need for another experienced striker has become even more important with Clement Mzize still recovering and 19-year-old Hussein Juma Mihambo regarded as a developing option. Mwalimu therefore arrives with both experience and a proven ability to contribute goals.
Interestingly, the deal was reportedly completed around Yanga Day over the weekend, although the striker could not get to Tanzania in time for the event.
The club also did not want to unveil him through a video presentation. Yanga and Wydad already have an established relationship, with Stephane Aziz Ki having previously moved in the opposite direction. That helped the two clubs get the Mwalimu deal done quickly.
MWALIMU’S RISE EXPLAINED
Three seasons ago, Mwalimu emerged as the top scorer in the Zanzibar Premier League with 23 goals, putting him on the radar of bigger clubs. In the 2023/24 season, Singida Black Stars sent him on loan to Fountain Gate, where he spent half a season and scored seven league goals.
His form attracted Wydad, who moved for him after failing to sign Mzize. Mwalimu joined the Moroccan giants on a five-year contract and spent the next six months in Casablanca, but faced stiff competition for places and eventually returned to Tanzania, joining Simba SC for a full season.
Now, after just one season at Simba, the 20-year-old has made another big move to Yanga, continuing a rapid rise through the Tanzanian game. He has also represented Tanzania at AFCON, adding international experience despite still being relatively young.
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