AfricaPress-Tanzania: LAST week there was wild speculation surrounding Bernard Morrison’s future at Simba when the fit-again Ghanaian attacking midfielder was excluded from the travelling squad to face Al Merreikh of Sudan in their third match of this season’s CAF Champions League’s Group A.
The decision left many fans and other football stakeholders speculating what could be the problem.
Various online publications reported the Ghanaian star has fallen out with head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa. The reports added that the duo were not on talking terms.
Morrison had missed out two earlier fixtures before being left out of the travelling squad to Sudan without any public explanation from Simba media which led to wild suggestions that led to a social media beef between two prominent Tanzanian media personnels.
Coach Gomes had come out to clarify he does not have any personal issues with the midfielder who signed for the Msimbazi giants from age-old rivals Yanga at the beginning of the season.
The french tactician explained his position on the matter, insisting he does not have any problem with the player and stated he is part of his plans to help the team achieve their targets for the season.
Speaking to the media after arriving from Sudan on Sunday, Gomes said: “There is no conflict between me and Morrison, believe me, I am frank, he is very frank. I can say even we have a good relationship and we talk together, I explained to him my decision but it is a family matter, you know.”
Gomes insisted: “A squad is a family and we need to keep some things confidential because we need to respect our team is very important. So like I said before, I don’t have any conflict with him and it is the same for him so everything is good and I am very sure he will help us to achieve our targets.”
However when Gomes was pressed for a reason why he dropped the midfielder from the squad that travelled for the match against Al Merreikh in Khartoum he was vague and circumspect, calling it ‘family matter’.
He disclosed: “It is because of family matters, I don’t want to talk about it, but everything is good and please don’t worry about it, all is well.”
Whilst Simba have dismissed it as largely speculation, there is probably something to this given what Gomes said in January.
Despite Morrison scoring a brace and creating one goal against Sudan’s Al Hilal in an international friendly, Gomes warned him that he will need to work very hard to be able to start matches.
Gomes introduced Morrison on the 62nd minute against Al Hilal of Sudan, and the winger announced his return in fashion as he scored two goals in quick succession, one on the 87th minute and the other on the 90th minute to seal the game for Simba as they ran out 4-1 winners.
Following the game, Da Rosa praised the Ghanaian’s performance but he admitted that Morrison needed to work on his physical fitness to earn more time on the pitch.
“Morrison had a good performance during 25-30 minutes. He needs to play a lot, he has very good talent, everybody knows that. He needs to play because he must improve his physical fitness. It is very important. If he wants to play, start and complete matches he needs to work a lot physically.”
Morrison’s big sign on fee transfer controversial switch from age-old rivals raised expectations though he has struggled for consistency this season with just four goals and similar assists more than half way in a season.
Gomes could decide to give Morrison a proper run in the team, and if he takes those chances, plays well, cements a regular place in the side until the end of the season, it is a different story altogether once again.
