Simba have deservedly sealed the Premier League title for the 2017-18 campaign.
The free scoring side is unbeaten in the past 28 games and have scored 61 goals with two game to spare before the end of the season.
Two head coaches have contributed to this triumph, starting with Joseph Omog who was involved in signing players during the transfer window.
He started the campaign on the dugout until December when he was sacked due to a run of poor performances especially in the Federation cup.
However, by that time, Simba were still very much in control of the League title race. After Omog’s exit, Simba decided to go for Frenchman, Pierre Lechantre who inherited a “great squad” with a hunger of successes.
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Lechantre added his values to the squad and one of the best job he managed to do since he took over is to improve the performance of players, individually.
The addition of Asante Kwasi during the January transfer window, and the return of Shomari Kapombe from the injury was a great contribution to the squad and they have since swept aside all opponents in the league.
With two games to go, Simba are now chasing the unbeaten record the landmark they achieved in 2011-12, the last time they won the league.
A lot of players from this Simba squad have done a brilliant job and have had a great contribution in ensuring the club wins the title.
Goal selects four Simba players who have stood out from the rest and had the biggest contribution to their title triumph.
Emmanuel Okwi
Simba are on the brink of repeating a feat they managed five seasons ago when they won the league without tasting defeat.
Emmanuel Okwi joined Simba from Ugandan side SC Villa prior to this season. Although he has had other spells with Simba in the past seasons but his return this term proved magical.
His goal scoring run has been incredible this season and there has been no one who could catch him in the golden boot award race this season with his 20 goals. This will be his first award after three different spells with Simba.
No one can deny the Ugandan's contribution in this Simba team, he has built a dangerous partnership with John Bocco up front and together they have been a cause for many a suffering to defenders and teams this season
His pace, visions, creativity and runs are intelligent, Simba must hope the striker will continue in this form until next season in the CAF Champions League.
John Bocco
Also signed by Simba prior to this season from Azam. Initially, many people thought that Bocco would struggle due to his age, however, the veteran striker proved doubters wrong with arguably one of his most productive spells.
His 14 goals this season keep him behind only his striker partner Emmanuel Okwi.
He is expected to challenge for the player of the season award alongside his teammate Emmanuel Okwi.
Shiza Kichuya
John Bocco and Emmanuel Okwi have scored more than half of the whole team's goals. However they achieved that tally because of “engineer” Shiza Kichuya.
The former Mtibwa man who joined Simba two seasons ago, was this season withdrawn from the flanks and given a free role at the middle of the park.
Kichuya operated as number ten who switched to the left or right side and even drop down to link up play with Jonas Mkude and James Kotei during the match.
That role, has earned Simba a lot of goals because many opponent players failed to deal with the “busy Kichuya” in games.
Kichuya has also managed to score seven goals which itself is a good enough reason to be on this list.
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Erasto Nyoni
In this Simba squad, it is very easy to select three important players but not four. Other players apart from the exceptional Bocco, Okwi and Kichuya were very good and it is very difficult to select one.
However, Nyoni gets the nod because of his versatile style of play. One can argue whu not Shomari Kapombe, Asante Kwasi and may be even Nicholas Gyan? Its simple, Nyoni has been consistent throughout the season and he was a dependable member of the squad.
The veteran defender didn’t disappoint in any game. This season alone, he played in four different positions and he performed at the same level. He played as left wing-back, right wing-back, as central defender and as holding midfielder.
His calmness when has the ball is fantastic and he is key in the process of initiating attacks from the backline. Also his experience has helped the younger players such as Yusuph Mlipili et al who have made brakthrough to the first squad this season.
His winning goal against their arch rivals Yanga last month is not the reason for him to be selected here but also shows his match winning ability in important games.
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