Clatous Chama’s return to Simba SC has elicited mixed reactions from the club’s supporters, many of whom have not forgotten that the midfielder once left the club for their bitter rivals, Young Africans SC (Yanga). However, the Zambia international has pledged renewed commitment as he embarks on his third spell with the Dar es Salaam giants.

Chama first established himself as a fan favorite at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium during his initial stint between 2018 and 2021, before departing for Moroccan side RS Berkane. After an unsuccessful spell in Morocco, he returned to Simba in 2022 and went on to enjoy three relatively solid seasons with the club.

His decision to join Yanga for the 2024/25 season, however, proved controversial among Simba fans. At Yanga, Chama spent just one season, winning the league title, before moving on to Singida Black Stars.

He has now completed a return to Simba, a move he says was driven by love for the club.

Simba are currently chasing their first league title since 2021, having watched rivals Yanga dominate domestic football with four consecutive championships.

Speaking in an interview with Simba’s media team, Chama acknowledged the expectations surrounding his return but stopped short of making bold promises.

“I may not be able to promise trophies outright, but I can promise my commitment, my love, and my prayers for Simba, so that Simba will continue to exist and to grow bigger. I pray to God to give us wisdom so that we can move forward and succeed,” Chama said.

Chama embraces pressure

The fluent Swahili speaker also recognized the pressure that comes with representing one of Tanzania’s biggest clubs.

“I know Simba fans have expectations coming from me, from the team, from the leadership, and from everyone working at Simba, because Simba is a big team.”

Chama added that returning to Simba was not a difficult decision, despite the challenges involved.

“Returning home to Simba was not about taking on easy challenges; the challenges are tough. But those who are close to me know that I truly love Simba,” he said. “And that makes things easier for me. Decisions become simpler. I know this return was not easy because Simba had a different team at the time.”

Chama is the second Zambian at the club, behind former Power Dynamos midfielder Joshua Mutale. 

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