South African defender Rushine De Reuck was on target on Thursday as he scored the only goal in Simba SC’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fountain Gate in the Tanzanian Premier League. The win sees coach Steve Barker’s side stretch their lead at the top of the log to five points ahead of fierce rivals Young Africans.

The match was played at Tanzanite Kwaraa Stadium in Babati. Simba arrived knowing a victory would open a clear gap at the summit. Fountain Gate made it a physical contest from the start and kept the visitors under pressure in the early stages. After 34 minutes, however, De Reuck rose highest to head home from a corner and give Simba the lead. It proved to be the decisive moment of the game.

Fountain Gate continued to push after the break and collected several yellow cards as the match became increasingly competitive. Simba’s defence stayed organised and kept a clean sheet. Barker’s team has now conceded only four goals in nine league matches and holds the best defensive record in the competition. The result also extended Simba’s long unbeaten run to 34 matches across all competitions.

De Reuck, a former Mamelodi Sundowns player from Cape Town, has settled well in Tanzania. He is currently captain of Simba and has contributed important goals since joining the club. His header on Thursday was another reminder of the value South African players continue to bring to the Tanzanian top flight. Barker, also South African, has built a disciplined side that wins games through organisation and set-piece quality.

With 27 points from nine matches, Simba sit comfortably at the top. Young Africans remain second on 22 points. The five-point cushion gives Barker’s men some breathing room as the season progresses, but the title race remains intense between the two traditional rivals. Fountain Gate stay near the bottom of the table after the defeat.

Simba will now turn their attention to their next league fixture against Namungo FC. They will look to keep their perfect winning record intact and protect the lead they have worked hard to build. For De Reuck and his teammates, Thursday’s result was another step towards a successful campaign both at home and in continental competitions.

Source: https://x.com/FARPostZA/status/2115829392911880240