Former ATK defender Gerson Vieira joins Tanzanian champions Simba SC

The 26-year-old was an important part of ATK's squad last season.

Former ATK defender Gerson Vieira has joined Tanzanian champions Simba SC. The 26-year old Brazilian was a mainstay at the Indian Super League side, as the two-time champions had a difficult season, finishing sixth in the league table.

Simba SC are the current champions of the Tanzanian Premier League and are one of the two big clubs in the country, alongside Young Africans. Managed by Belgian tactician, Patrick Aussems, the side holds the record of winning the second-highest number of championships in Tanzania.

The defender was one of the mainstays of ATK's back four last season

Vieira came through the ranks at Brazilian side, Gremio. He has featured for Brazilian clubs like Oeste, Red Bull Brasil and Atletico Tubarao. He then moved abroad and joined Uruguayan club Atenas, before coming to the Indian subcontinent.

ALSO READ: Analysis: What will Roy Krishna bring to ATK?

Vieira came to India for the first time to join Mumbai City FC back in 2016 for a short stint. But, then he joined the Islanders again in a year's time. The team were guided to the playoffs by then head coach Alexandre Guimaraes and Vieira played a crucial role for the the Mumbai-based outfit that season. He even scored in their 3-2 playoff defeat against ATK. However, he later joined the Kolkata side last campaign from Japanese second division team, Renofa Yamaguchi.

Last campaign, he featured in all the league games for the two-time champions and made a whopping 89 clearances along with 23 interceptions. He is primarily a centre-back who is equally capable to play as a defensive midfielder. He played in both positions for the then head coach Steve Coppell and netted one goal, along with an assist.

Simba will definitely benefit from Vieira's daunting presence in defence or even in midfield. His versatility will be key for Aussems. The Lions will also participate in the CAF Champions League next season and the defender will surely add more steel to their backline.