Isihaka stripped off Simba’s captaincy role

SIMBA defender, Hassan Isihaka has been stripped off his assistant captaincy role, following his outburst on the team’s interim-coach Jackson Mayanja last month.

The club’s Executive Committee has also imposed a one-month suspension on the player. Initially, Isihaka was suspended indefinitely by the Msimbazi Reds club and his monthly salary was cut to half.

Isihaka has since apologised but Simba Information Officer, Haji Manara, said yesterday that the defender is likely to miss the rest of the season because he will be serving the ban.

Mayanja axed Isihaka after an alleged foul-mouthed rant directed at him from the young defender prior to Federation Cup match against Singida United.

The Ugandan trainer, who joined Simba from Coastal Union, recalled that every player should comprehend that the football club is more important than any individual.

“It’s an internal matter, I made the decision and I don’t want to discuss it on the media. “He has to look at himself because every single player must observe football ethics.

I don’t have any grudges with him as a person,” Mayanja said. “No player is bigger than the club and there are certain parameters and principles that you set. See, Manchester United were so much in love with Ronaldo (Cristiano) but he left and the club moved on,” he added.

Isihaka had established himself as regular starter at Simba following his promotion from the youth team, earning the armband ahead of more senior players at the club, but has rarely been used by Mayanja.

He was left on bench during the derby against archrivals Young Africans despite the dismissal of Abdi Banda, as Mayanja opted to send on untried Novat Lufunga.

The industrious stopper was lined up for the Federation Cup match against Singida United, but was dropped in the eleventh hour after he reportedly confronted his coach, questioning his decision not to include him in the previous league matches. Isihaka has since apologised to the coach and the club’s management.

“I’m sorry to the coach and the management, I behaved myself in inappropriate manner, but I didn’t intend to offend the coach or anyone.

“I’m young player and eager to develop my career, I play for the national team and to keep my place in the team I have to play regularly at my club, because of that I thought it was important to ask the coach about my position, I did it in good faith and never thought he would be upset.”

Simba, who are currently top of the table with 54 points from 23 outings, will play against Coastal Union of Tanga at the Mkwakwani Stadium on Saturday.