Harambee Stars midfielder Mohammed Bajaber is conspicuously missing from the Simba SC squad for their CAF Champions League opening fixture against Gaborone United at Obert Itani Chilume Stadium in Botswana on Saturday.
Bajaber, one of the club's biggest signings of the off season, has featured for Simba in their pre season engagements but has not been selected to travel to Gaborone. He also recently missed the much heralded friendly clash versus Gor Mahia last week in Dar, during the annual Simba Day celebrations.
Bajaber, who noticeably left the Harambee Stars camp under coach Benni McCarthy to join Simba, while preparations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament were ongoing, has been excluded from the squad of 23 players, who departed on Thursday for the first preliminary round fixture.
The reason for his absence was not officially stated even though he has been struggling with niggling injuries since last season. He missed a big chunk of the Kenya Police FC title charge and was missing for June's friendly matches versus Chad in Morocco.
New signings from South Africa, Rushine De Reuck, and Neo Maema, who both signed for the Msimbazi Reds from South African Premier League champions Mamelodi Sundowns, have been included in the squad. Another new signing in the squad is Ghanaian forward Jonathan Sowa who joined from Singida Black Stars, and will likely play upfront alongside Ugandan striker Steven Mukwala, and Seleman Mwalimu.
Simba SC squad;
Goalkeepers; Moussa Camara, Yakoub Suleiman, Alexanuer Erasto.
Defenders; Shomari Kapombe, Anthony Maligo, Rushine De Reuck, Karabou Chamou, Wilson Nangu, Naby Camara.
Midfielders; Yusuph Magoma, Allasane Kante, Kibu Denis, Elie Mpanzu, Ladak Chasambi, Mzamiru Yassin, Neo Maema, Joshua Mutale, Jean-Charles Ahoua, Daudi Semfuko, and Morice Abraham.
Strikers; Steven Mukwala, Seleman Mwalimu, and Jonathan Sowa.
