How Simba SC lured Bajaber to Dar

In the middle of Kenya's preparations for 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan), one of Harambee Stars' brightest sparks quietly slipped away from the camp.

Not for lack of love for the red, green, and black jersey, but to answer a call that could change his football life forever.

Mohamed Omar Ali Bajaber, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder, swapped national duty for Tanzania's football powerhouse Simba SC when the national team needed him most.

The Tanzanian giants have now revealed that they were not signing just another midfielder but that it was about adding a rare piece of artistry to their squad.

"We wanted a player who is skillful on the ball, can thrill the fans, and still deliver results," Simba SC spokesperson and communication manager Ahmed Ally revealed, explaining why Bajaber topped their recruitment list this season.

For Bajaber, who featured for Kenya Police before turning pro, the decision came with a bittersweet twist.

"It was sad to leave the Harambee Stars team for this Chan, but I felt it was wiser to take a full preseason to recover fully from my injury. I had an injury, and I was not sure about my fitness. In the end, I chose not to risk it and focus on this big opportunity," said Bajaber, who is currently with Simba in Egypt for preseason.

Bajaber scored in their 2-0 friendly match against Kahraba Ismailia yesterday. 

Speaking to Standard Sports at Simba offices in Dar es Salaam, Ahmed painted a vivid picture of a club hungry for not only domestic but also continental supremacy.

Ranked the best in Eastern and Central Africa and fifth overall in the recent CAF listing, Simba has reached the Champions League quarter-finals more than five times.

Ahmed said their modern structure, including a board system and an extensive scouting network, has been key to consistently attracting top talent.

"We have consistently signed quality players across Africa, with Bajaber, the decision was easy. The FKF Premier League is being broadcast live, which lets us follow his progress closely. Even when injury delayed our move, we knew we would come back for him,” said Ahmed.

Ahmed disclosed they are planning to host an unnamed FKF Premier League club during this year’s Simba Day to boost fan interest and regional football rivalry.

"There was a time when the Kenyan League almost disappeared due to wrangles, but now it is coming back strong. We are planning to host one of FKF PL teams, which we feel would excite fans here during Simba Day, and that will show that East African football is on the rise again," said Ahmed.

Simba boasts a proud tradition of Kenyan recruits, from Paul Kiongera to Francis Kahata and Joash Onyango; the list is endless.

In Bajaber, the Wekundu wa Msimbazi, as they are better known here, saw a utility player blending flair and efficiency.

‎‎"He can play as a number 10, he can also play at the wings (11 and 7), and he is not just a passer but also creates moments. We compare him with players like Zinedine Zidane, we have had such players in Haruna Moshi and Ibrahim Ajib,” said Ahmed.

Kenya Police FC were understandably reluctant to lose one of their brightest stars after a historic league triumph. But Simba's estimated offer of Sh12.9 million proved irresistible.

‎"In Tanzania, we do not reveal someone's earnings; we kept that a secret, but I tell you it is good money. It was not easy for them to release him, but in football, when you get a good offer, you have to take it," he said.

” Here, the minimum fee we can sign a player for is 100 million Tanzanian shillings, and that's for a very young player, maybe 20 or 21 years old, who is still proving himself. For mature players, it ranges from 150 to even 200 million and above. As for Bajaber, I wouldn't reveal the exact figure, but it is 200 million and above," Ahmed said with a smile

The club also provided a fully furnished three-bedroom apartment and a car for the young star to enable him to settle well in Dar es Salaam.

"We give our players a house to live in, and when we spoke with Bajaber, he requested we give him a house near a mosque. We have done exactly that; that is why you see he is very happy. We have given him a fully furnished three-bedroom house in Mbezi Chini. It is up to him if he wants to move in with his family. Aside from the house, we gave him a car that he will use while playing for us,” he added.

Born in March 2003 in Nairobi, Bajaber’s football journey began at Premier Academy, progressing through Ligi Ndogo and Star Field Academy.

At 16, a trial with Denmark's FC Midtjylland did not earn him a chance there, but the experience hardened his resolve.

His breakthrough came with Nairobi City Stars despite battling injuries early on.

In February this year, he joined Kenya Police, where he inspired them to their first-ever Premier League title.

Initially, my parents never wanted me to play football. It took the intervention of my brothers talking to them to convince them to allow me to play because they told them I have talent, and they understood and supported me,” he recalled.

And his Harambee Stars debut was nothing short of magic, coming off the bench to score a stunning equaliser against Gambia in a 3-3 draw in World Cup qualifiers on March 20, 2025.

"That goal changed my life; I almost cried in the field. It was the best moment, it got people talking," he said

After putting pen to paper, Bajaber joined his new teammates in Egypt for preseason to gel with them and sharpen their skills ahead of a season packed with events.

‎"Simba has not won the league in four seasons. It is time to change that. I want to win trophies and give fans performances they will remember,” he said.

The signing of Bajaber fits into a wider Simba SC vision. The club aims to be East Africa's hub for talent with plans for setting up a Nairobi fan branch.

"We want fans from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, the entire Africa, and beyond to feel Simba is their club. We are in the process of opening a fan base in Nairobi,” said Ahmed.

But for Bajaber, it is a dream come true to play professional football.

‎"Simba is a big club, and competition here is big, but that is what I want. I have always wanted to play in big crowds,” said Bajaber with quiet confidence.