Mainland giants Simba SC have concluded deals with two Kenya’s Gor Mahia players, goalkeeper, Ivo Mapunda and defender Donald Mosoti.
Both players have penned a two year deal with the Msimbazi Reds side ahead of Sunday’s transfer window deadline ready for the final phase of the Mainland Premier League, kicking off next month.
According to michezoafrika.com, Simba Secretary General Evodius Mtawala confirmed that they had landed the signature of the towering centre half upon the recommendation of their head coach Zdravko Logarusic formerly with Gor Mahia.
“We have signed Donald Mosoti for two years,” said Mtawala, who arrived in Nairobi on Wednesday night for the specific mission and managed to sign former Young Africans first choice goalie Mapunda.
“On Thursday midnight we signed Ivo (Mapunda) as well. Our head coach (Zavko Logarusic) made it clear that he wanted them on board,” confirmed Mtawala. Under Logarusic, Mosoti was one of the ‘untouchables’ playing every single game as he formed a strong partnership with Ugandan centre half Israel Emuge. Mosoti was later quoted by bongostaz.blogspot.com expressing his excitement at joining up with the Reds.
“Really excited to be joining Simba…it is a mammoth and historic club in the region this season and can’t wait to make my debut now,” he said, adding that he wanted to achieve what fellow Kenya, like Mark Sirengo, Hillary Echessa, Mike Barasa and Jerry Santo who had previously featured for Simba had achieved.
“I’m pleased to link up with Loga (Logarusic) once again, he is a very good coach and he did a good job at Gor, transforming it to a respectable and a feared side in Kenya.
Simba should brace for the same and have really got a top notch coach,” he Masoti, who is expected to arrive in Dar es Salaam today and join his new team. His current contract with Gor Mahia will expire on February 31st, next year, but the Kenyan giants reportedly allowed him to leave, because the Kenya Premier League currently on recess will resume in March next year.
Mapunda, who had not signed a new contract with Gor Mahia, also expressed excitement of returning back home and play for Simba. Mapunda, who led the Mainland soccer side, Kilimanjaro Stars to the semifinal of the just ended CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Nairobi, Kenya also told bongostaz.blogspot.com that he has decided to join Simba after being offered a good package, which however, he refused to reveal.
“Simba is a big club, with rich history, I believe in my experience and quality I will help the team to continue winning big. I take this opportunity to request Simba fans, technical bench and fellow players that we work closely as a team,” he said.
Prospects of signing Mapunda were likely to hit a hitch after the Gor Mahia vowed to hold on the evergreen Kilimanjaro Stars firstchoice shot-stopper. Known for strong goalkeeping skills, Mapunda made a “come and get me plea” to any club interested in his services and Simba quickly threw its weight on the move.
Source Tanzania Daily News
