Tanzanian giants Simba Sports Club have started their pursuit of APR FC redhot striker Victor Mbaoma, reliable sources have confirmed to Times Sport.

Mbaoma, 27, has been in unstoppable form on his debut season at the army side, as he finished the first round of the Primus National League leading the scoring charts with 12 goals in 15 games.

He is in contention of the player of the month award for December 2023 alongside Police duo Muhajiri Hakizimana and Abedi Bigirimana as well as Rayon Sports midfielder Héritier Luvumbu.

The Nigerian forward is part of Thierry Froger’s team playing the Mapinduzi Cup and his performance has attracted the attention of Simba.

Times Sport has learnt that the Tanzanian club is preparing an offer in excess of $200,000 (over Rwf 250 million) for the striker to secure his services ahead of the 2024/2025 season.

"Simba wants him but I don’t think they can sign him in this window," a source close to APR FC told Times Sport on condition of anonymity.

"Mbaoma is probably the best striker in this region, his record speaks for itself, so any club that wishes to sign him, would have to pay a good price for APR to release him,” the source added.

In June 2023, Mbaoma joined APR on a two-year deal that will keep him at the club until June 2025. The reigning league champions value their star asset between US$200,000 and US$250.000 and they are ready to listen to potential buyers.

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Mbaoma has been in impressive form at the ongoing Mapinduzi Cup, scoring twice in his last three games.

He scored APR’s lone goal during their 3-1 defeat to Singida and he came on the scoresheet again in the club's 3-1 victory over JKU.

He came on as a substitute as APR held Simba SC to a goalless draw but his performance left Simba coach Abdelhak Benchikha impressed.

Benchikha believes the APR attacker would be the ideal man to lead his side’s attack next season as the likes of club captain John Bocco and Moses Phiri continue to struggle to meet his demands.

Simba have made Mbaoma their top target although the club is convinced that he may not be available before the end of the season.

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Mbaoma rose to fame while playing for Enyimba FC in his native Nigeria. He also had stints at Qizilqum Zarafshon in Uzbekistan after USM Alger in Algeria as well as Remo Stars and Akwa United in Nigeria.

He made his international debut in May 2021 during Super Eagles’ 2-1 defeat to Mexico. He also featured as a substitute against Ecuador.