Former Orlando Pirates co-coach Fadlu Davids has highlighted a “big personality” as a prerequisite trait for a coach to survive the high-pressure environment at Tanzanian giants Simba SC and Young Africans SC.
The 45-year-old previously worked at Simba between July 2024 and September 2025. One of the major highlights at the club was guiding them to the 2024/25 CAF Confederations Cup final, although they finished as runners-up after losing to RS Berkane.
Following in Davids’ footsteps by joining Simba SC was Steve Barker, who is their current coach after arriving at the club in December 2025 from Stellenbosch FC. Manqoba Mngqithi was also in Tanzania until recently, when he was dismissed by Young Africans.
Mngqithi’s stint in Dar es Salaam was short-lived after his appointment in July, lasting just three months. He left despite managing 10 wins in 13 games across all competitions.
HOW TO LAST LONG AT SIMBA SC OR YOUNG AFRICANS, ACCORDING TO FADLU DAVIDS
Drawing from his experience in Tanzania, Davids emphasises that a coach needs a big personality to last long at the East African heavyweights.
“Yanga and Simba are both big clubs in Tanzania with a huge following, not only in Tanzania but also in Africa. Both clubs have ambitions not only to dominate the Tanzanian league but to star in competitions like the CAF Champions League,” Davids told FARPost.
“At the moment, I think both clubs have strength in their teams, and those squads will definitely represent not only Tanzania but East Africa as well in the Champions League.
“Like I said, big clubs on their own, but also need big-personality coaches to be able to manage not only the club but the fans and expectations. Of course, they are the pride of East Africa, especially in the Champions League.”
RELATED STORY: Fadlu Davids’ blueprint for Mabasa & Titus to impress Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane
