Kenyan international Mohammed Bajaber has been handed a lifeline at Tanzanian giants Simba SC after the club axed seven players in a major squad shakeup, signaling that the Harambee Stars playmaker remains in their plans despite a difficult first season in Dar es Salaam.
The Msimbazi Street giants confirmed the departures of Zambian forward Joshua Mutale, defender Chamou Karaboue, goalkeeper Moussa Camara, Guinean midfielders Naby Camara, Edwin Balua and Awesu Awesu, as well as striker Omari Omari. Notably, Bajaber's name was missing from that list, suggesting the 23-year-old still has a future at the club.
Bajaber joined Simba from Kenya Police in August 2025 in a deal worth $100,000 (Ksh12.9 million). The attacking midfielder signed a two-year contract and arrived with high expectations, but his debut season turned into a frustrating one plagued by injuries.
He joined the Tanzanian side while still nursing an injury and had to wait until December to make his first appearance, coming off the bench against Mbeya City and scoring with his very first touch.
However, that dream start quickly soured. Bajaber got his first start in January but lasted just 12 minutes before suffering another setback that kept him out until February.
In total, injuries limited him to just two appearances for Simba during the 2025-26 campaign. Even after regaining fitness and earning a recall to the Harambee Stars squad, the South African coach Steve Barker preferred other options ahead of him.
Despite his struggles, Bajaber did end the season on a positive note, winning two trophies with Simba. The club clinched the Muungano Cup after beating bitter rivals Yanga in April, followed by the Tanzanian FA Cup with a narrow 1-0 victory over Azam FC.
Simba finished second in the NBC Premier League with 73 points, just two behind champions Yanga, who secured their fifth straight title.
The Msimbazi giants also qualified for the CAF Champions League in 2026-27 and are now rebuilding their squad to end Yanga's dominance and make a deep run in the continental competition.
With Bajaber still having a year left on his contract, it remains to be seen whether this is the end of Simba's squad overhaul or if more changes are on the way.
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