Simba mum on Fadlu future
DAR ES SALAAM: SIMBA SC is set to issue a statement amid reports that head coach Fadlu Davids (pictured) may be leaving, with speculation linking the South African tactician to a potential move to Moroccan giants Raja Club Athletic.
Club Board Chairperson Crescentius Magori told reporters at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) yesterday, shortly after arriving from Botswana, that an official statement would be issued soon.
He declined to comment on the matter directly, saying the club’s focus remains on Thursday’s Mainland Premier League clash against Fountain Gate FC.
“As for Coach Fadlu Davids, the time will come for us to issue an official statement. For now, our attention is fully on the upcoming match,” Magori said.
Speculation intensified after part of the technical bench, including Fadlu and his assistants, did not return to Tanzania with the team.
The South African tactician, however, was on the bench when Simba SC defeated Gaborone United 1-0 in the CAF Champions League preliminary round match at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown on Saturday.
Club Media and Communications Officer Ahmed Ally confirmed that Davids and several team members remained in South Africa.
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“Yes, Coach Fadlu Davids and his assistants are still in South Africa, along with players Neo Maema and Rushine De Reuck. They are on a short break and will rejoin the team when training resumes on Tuesday,” Ally said.
While denying knowledge of any formal approaches or ongoing negotiations with Raja Club Athletic, Ally neither confirmed nor dismissed the speculation outright.
“What I can confirm is that our coach and players are on a short break and will be back soon,” he added.
In a separate development, Ally revealed that the club has submitted an appeal to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the second leg of their tie against Gaborone United SC, which was initially set to be played behind closed doors.
“We have requested CAF to allow us to play the return leg with fans in attendance. We expect a response within the coming week and will make it public once received,” he said.
