Bajaber opens up on how he handled injury frustrations at Simba

Simba SC forward Mohammed Bajaber has reflected on the difficult and emotionally draining road back to full fitness after finally making his long-awaited debut for the Tanzanian giants.

He capped his debut with a goal as Simba thrashed Mbeya City 3-0.

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The 22-year-old attacker joined the club on 2 August, but what was meant to be a swift transition into one of East Africa’s biggest clubs turned into a frustrating three-month battle on the treatment table.

A persistent thigh injury linked to his right leg , sustained during his time with defending Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) champions Kenya Police, kept him out of action.

The setback also cost the former Nairobi City Stars forward a place in the Harambee Stars squad that participated in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August, a moment he describes as one of the most painful in his career.

On Thursday, 4 December however, the script flipped.

Bajaber came off the bench in the late stages of the second half and immediately wrote his name into Simba folklore, calmly slotting home the team’s third goal as Wekundu wa Msimbazi swept aside Mbeya City.

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Speaking in a post-match interview, in a video shared on Simba’s official media channels, Bajaber opened up about the emotional and psychological toll the injury took on him.

"It was so tough. Joining a big club like Simba with an injury is not easy. The pressure is immense, and for me it was difficult both mentally and physically. But thanks to God, I managed to beat that period,” he said.

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The forward admitted that the extended time away from the pitch tested his resilience, forcing him to find strength in his faith as he helplessly watched his teammates train and compete.

"It was tough going to training and on match days just to watch others play. But I thank God, I managed to pull through, and the whole period drew me even closer to Almighty.” Bajaber disclosed.

Cleared to return to action after nearly five months on the sidelines, Bajaber approached the Mbeya City match with hunger and a renewed sense of purpose.

"Ahead of the match, I was preparing myself because I had been out for long. I kept reminding myself of who I am as a player, and what I am capable of doing and that helped me a lot once I got onto the pitch.” he continued.

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He expressed deep gratitude to those who stood by him throughout the rehabilitation journey.

"I am grateful to God for everything, and to my family and parents for standing by me during this tough period.” he concluded.

With his debut behind him now, confidence restored and first goal already in the bag, Bajaber will now be seeking to make it two goals in two matches when Simba host Azam FC on Sunday, 7 December.