Tanzanian Premier League side, Simba Sports Club, have secured the services of 20-year-old Nigerian defensive midfielder, Augustine Okejepha from Rivers United, Soccernet.ng reports.
The youngster was impressive in the 2023/2024 NPFL season, winning the League’s Most Valuable Player award of the season. He was included in the CAF Confederation’s Cup team of the week twice in the just-concluded season as well.
As per League Reporter, Rivers United will pocket around $250k from Okejepha’s move to Samba SC, while the player penned a three-year deal with the Tanzanians, where he will earn around $6k monthly.
🇹🇿🚨 | East African giant Simba SC have announced the signing of Augustine Okejepha from Rivers United 🇳🇬.
– He signed a 3 year deal
– Monthly salary of $6k
– $250k signing fee paid to Rivers United. pic.twitter.com/wSr1iZNHJ8— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) July 6, 2024
According to the club’s official website, the midfielders’ quality and age are among the qualities that attracted them to need his signature and they believe he will be a great help to the team heading into next season.
Simba Sports Club are a powerhouse in Tanzanian football, having won 22 league titles and five league cups. Their home, the Benjamin Mbakpa Stadium can accommodate 60,000 fans.
They were ranked among the top ten clubs in Africa, at number 10, by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics in their May 1, 2022 – April 30, 2023 rankings. Globally, the club was ranked at number 105 in the IFFHS World Ranking.
Simba S.C. are also regarded as one of the richest clubs in East Africa, with a total budget of TSh 6.1 billion (equivalent to $5.3 million) unveiled for the 2019/2020 season.