Tanzanian side Simba SC have shut the door on negotiations with Raja Casablanca after turning down an official offer from the Moroccan club to sign Congolese winger Elie Mpanzu during the current winter transfer window, despite Raja’s clear determination to complete the deal.
According to a source, Simba’s decision is largely influenced by the wishes of South African head coach Fadlo Davies, who is keen to retain the 24-year-old attacker.
Davies is well acquainted with Mpanzu’s technical and physical qualities, having previously coached him at Simba, and believes the winger can provide a significant attacking lift through his pace, dribbling ability and strong tactical discipline.
While Raja’s technical staff pushed strongly for the transfer, Simba’s management opted to hold on to one of their key players at a critical stage of the season, refusing to sanction his departure. This position, however, appears to run counter to the player’s own ambitions.
Sources close to Mbanzu reveal that he has clearly informed club officials of his desire to begin a new chapter with Raja Casablanca, viewing a move to the Moroccan league as an important step forward in his career.
The same sources indicate that Mpanzu has also made it known that, should the transfer fail to materialise in the near future, he has no intention of renewing his contract with Simba. His current deal is set to expire at the end of the 2025–2026 season, a factor that adds further complexity to the club’s stance.
With this situation unfolding, Simba’s management now face a difficult choice between keeping the winger until his contract runs out, risking losing him on a free transfer, or reopening negotiations in a future transfer window. Raja Casablanca, for their part, remain attentive to developments and are closely monitoring the case as the coming months unfold.
Raja Casablanca have already been active in the winter market, completing five signings so far, including Bissar Halimi, Ayman Barqouq, Nigerian forward Mathias Oyosi, Jordanian winger Mohammed Abu Zraiq “Sharara”, and defender Amin Khammas.
