Manula's Simba Future Uncertain Amid Club Silence

Aishi Manula’s Absence Raises Questions as Simba Remains Silent

Dar es Salaam, March 25, 2025 — The conspicuous absence of Aishi Manula, one of Tanzania’s most dependable goalkeepers, continues to stir speculation among football fans and pundits. Once the undisputed number one for both Simba SC and the national team, Manula has not featured in a competitive match for Simba in nearly a year, raising serious questions about his future with the club.

The absence has become more pronounced following reports that Moussa Camara, Simba’s first-choice goalkeeper, sustained an injury during a match against Azam. Many expected Manula to return to the starting eleven, but to the surprise of fans, he was neither on the pitch nor the bench during the subsequent fixture against Coastal Union. Ally Salim started the match, with Hussein Abel named as backup.

Again, in a CAF Confederation Cup clash against TMA Stars, Manula was omitted entirely, fueling renewed uncertainty about his role in the team.

Fall from Grace at Simba

Manula joined Simba in the 2017/2018 season from Azam FC, quickly becoming the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. However, the arrival of Ayoub Lakred from FAR Rabat—and more recently Camara from AC Horoya—has seen his role diminished significantly.

Despite Lakred’s early injury during pre-season, Manula did not reclaim his position. Instead, Camara seamlessly integrated into Coach Fadlu Davids' system and has since played all CAF Confederation Cup matches and 20 out of 21 Tanzania Premier League games this season, registering 15 clean sheets. The only match Camara missed—a 3-0 victory over Coastal Union on March 1—was covered by Ally Salim, not Manula.

Manula’s last appearance in the Premier League dates back to March 6, 2024, during a 2-1 loss to Tanzania Prisons, marking nearly a full year of absence from league duty.

Although he featured in a friendly against Al Hilal of Sudan on August 31, 2024, which ended in a 1-1 draw, the experienced shot-stopper has since been relegated to training without game-time opportunities. Rumors linking him with a return to Azam during the mid-season transfer window fizzled out without confirmation.

Simba’s Head of Media and Communications, Ahmed Ally, previously addressed concerns over Manula’s exclusion during the club’s Simba Day squad presentation, describing it as an unfortunate oversight and reaffirming that the player remained part of the squad.

Nevertheless, Manula’s most recent appearance on a matchday bench was during Simba’s CAF Confederation Cup match against Algeria’s Constantine on January 19, 2025.

Behind the Scenes: Fallout and Contractual Ties

Though not officially confirmed, whispers around the club suggest tensions between Manula and club management. Reportedly, his assertive stance in internal matters may have created friction with senior figures. Sources suggest that the goalkeeper’s current contract—set to expire at the end of this season—is the only reason he remains at the club.

His decline in trust is believed to have stemmed from the heavy 5-1 loss to arch-rivals Yanga on November 5, 2023. Then-goalkeeping coach and interim head coach Dani Cadena later revealed that Manula had been forced to play while still recovering from injury, a decision that backfired as he conceded multiple goals.

Despite the off-field drama, no official statement has been made by either Simba or Manula’s management, leading to mounting speculation and frustration among supporters. Many are puzzled why, even with Camara injured, Manula is overlooked in favor of third- and fourth-choice goalkeepers.

National Duty vs Club Frustrations

Manula’s omission from Simba’s lineup contrasts starkly with his active role in the national team, Taifa Stars. He played a crucial role in Tanzania’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), notably keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 win against Guinea in November.

He has also featured in matches that secured the team’s place in the 2025 CHAN finals and played during qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reinforcing his continued importance on the international stage.

This disparity has drawn criticism and confusion from fans ahead of Tanzania’s March 26 World Cup qualifier against Morocco, as many question whether Manula will be called up or ignored once more.

Expert Opinions: Mental Strength Key to Return

Former Simba star Boniface Pawasa urged Manula to maintain mental resilience and physical commitment, emphasizing that regaining a goalkeeper position—especially after injury—is never easy.

"Goalkeeping is a specialized position, and when someone performs well, it’s hard to replace them, especially when returning from injury. Manula must remain focused and work harder in training to earn his spot back,” Pawasa advised.

He also suggested the need for psychological support to restore Manula’s confidence, given the intense competition with Camara, who has firmly established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Abdallah 'King' Kibadeni, another Simba legend, expressed concern over Manula’s lack of playing time, especially given his central role in the national team.

“If there’s a disagreement between Manula and Simba’s management, they need to resolve it quickly. It doesn’t reflect well when a national team starter doesn’t even make the club bench,” Kibadeni remarked.

Manula: Focused on Training, Hopes for Return

Speaking while on national duty during CHAN qualifiers, Manula acknowledged the challenges of lacking match fitness but expressed a strong desire to continue fighting for his place.

"Not playing regularly does affect your confidence. But I’ll keep pushing myself in training for the good of the team. When the chance comes, I’ll be ready," he said.

“I know I’m not the same as before due to lack of game time, but I’ll do my best to prove myself,” Manula added in a post-match interview late last year.

As the season nears its end, all eyes remain on Simba SC and whether the stalemate with their once-iconic goalkeeper will be resolved—or if the curtain will quietly fall on Manula’s time at Msimbazi.