Edwin Balua Battles for Playing Time at Simba SC

Balua Faces Stiff Competition from Mpanzu in Simba SC Squad
March 12, 2025

The dynamic nature of football often reshapes players' roles within a team, and Edwin Balua finds himself at a crossroads in his career at Simba SC. Once considered a rising star with the potential to shine this season, Balua now faces an uphill battle to secure consistent playing time under head coach Fadlu Davids. The mid-season acquisition of Elie Mpanzu has further complicated his quest for a starting position, with statistics highlighting the shift in preference within the squad.

A Shift in Playing Opportunities

Balua, whose versatility across the attacking line was initially seen as a major asset, has struggled to cement his place in the team following tactical adjustments by Davids. Under Juma Mgunda’s management in the latter stages of the 2023/24 season, Balua flourished, showcasing his scoring prowess and attacking flair. However, Davids’ revised playing system, coupled with the arrival of Mpanzu, has significantly limited Balua’s minutes on the pitch.

So far this season, Balua has featured in just eight (8) league matches out of a possible 21, accumulating a total of 317 minutes and scoring two goals without providing an assist. In stark contrast, Mpanzu, despite joining during the mid-season transfer window, has already played nine (9) matches, racking up 695 minutes, scoring two goals, and registering two assists.

Mpanzu’s Growing Influence

The statistics underline Mpanzu’s growing importance in the squad, with his contributions extending beyond goal-scoring. His ability to both find the back of the net and create chances for teammates has made him an integral figure in Davids’ tactical setup. More importantly, his adaptability in playing as both an attacking midfielder and a forward has added a new dimension to Simba SC’s approach.

Davids' preference for a 4-2-3-1 formation demands that wide players contribute equally to both attack and defense. This requirement has proven to be a stumbling block for Balua, whose playing style is predominantly attack-oriented. Unlike Balua, Mpanzu seamlessly transitions between offensive duties and defensive responsibilities, making him a more well-rounded option.

Balua’s Challenges and Path to Redemption

The competition for a starting spot is fiercer than ever, and Balua’s struggle to secure game time raises concerns about his long-term prospects at the club. Former Mtibwa Sugar and Gwambina coach, Mohamed Badru, believes that Balua must adapt his game to match the tactical needs of the team.

“Balua must modify his style to increase his contribution to the team. He needs to develop into a box-to-box player, capable of attacking and defending in equal measure,” said Badru.

Furthermore, Balua must embrace the challenge posed by Mpanzu as an opportunity for growth. Football is a highly competitive sport, and losing a starting position is a common occurrence. However, players who remain resilient and learn from their competition often reclaim their status as key figures in the team.

Can Balua Bounce Back?

Despite the current hurdles, Balua still has a window of opportunity to reclaim his prominence in Simba SC. Improving his defensive contributions, enhancing his work rate, and refining his overall gameplay could persuade Davids to reconsider his role within the squad. Additionally, taking inspiration from Mpanzu’s ability to influence matches in multiple areas could be the key to reinvigorating his career at Simba SC.

For now, however, the midfield and attacking competition remains intense, and Balua must prove his worth if he hopes to regain regular playing time in one of Tanzania’s most formidable clubs.