Tanzanian Premier League reigning champions Simba S.C. have become the first club in the country to appoint a female CEO.

The Dar es Salaam-based club announced on Sunday that its board had selected Barbara Gonzalez to fill the position left vacant by Senzo Mbatha last month.

"I thank the Lions Board for giving me this honor," said Gonzalez. "I will do my best to treat this honor with all my might. With God's help and the support of the leadership and fans of Simba, we will achieve our goals of making Simba the best Club in Africa. I also thank you all for complimenting me."

A statement from the club confirmed her appointment, noting that her tenure began immediately.

"We are confident that her passion for football, her knowledge of Simba's inner workings, and her relationships with key Simba stakeholders will help her help our club reach greater heights," said the club.

Simba SC is the second-most successful club in Tanzanian top flight, having won the Premier League 21 times. Arch rivals Young Africans S.C. are the most successful, having won the League 22 times.