New Simba coach Robertinho targets CAF CL title

New Simba Coach Roberto "Robertinho" Oliviera has said his objective is to ensure the Tanzanian giants win the CAF Champions League in the near future.

The former Gor Mahia and Vipers (Uganda) and Rayon Sport (Rwanda) tactician was officially unveiled as the Simba coach on Tuesday afternoon infront of members of the fourth estate and club officials.

"I am very happy to be in Simba. My target is very simple - to ensure we qualify for the quarterfinals, semifinals and finally win the Champions League. It is very possible. To be big you have to think big. That is the mentality I want to instill in this club." He said.

Robertinho guided Ugandan champions Vipers to the first ever CAF Champions League Group Stage qualification last season, by edging African giants TP Mazembe in DRC, an achievement Simba SC Chairman Salim Abdallah admits made the tactician a favourite among those that had been shortlisted for the job.

"It is very clear to everyone that follows this club that we want to conquer Africa and to achieve that we needed a coach who can help us achieve that. Roberto has proved beyond any reasonable doubt, if his achievements as a coach are anything to go by, that he is capable," Salim said,

"He did well with Vipers last season and we had detailed conversations with him before he agreed to join the club. He understands the job at hand and is ready to do it. We are confident that he will deliver." He added.

Vipers part ways with former Gor Mahia manager

Salim Abdallah also revealed that the club's immediate former head coach Juma Mgunda and his assistants will remain in the club in different capacities.

"We have not sacked anyone. We have just strengthened our technical bench in line with what we want to achieve as a club. All the other coaches will remain in the club in capacities that we shall agree on."

Simba, which is home to Kenyan International Joash Onyango, is currently in Zanzibar for the Mapinduzi Cup and will face Mlandege this evening.