Pundits to Simba: Stay focused

TANZANIA: AS Simba prepare to face Morocco’s RS Berkane in the decisive second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, football pundits and former players have urged the team to remain cautious and avoid the trap of overconfidence.

Among those sounding the warning is former Simba legend, George Masatu, who recalled the painful 1993 CAF Cup final defeat against Ivory Coast’s Stella Abidjan. Despite holding a goalless draw in the first leg away from home, Simba lost 2-0 in the return leg in Dar es Salaam—a result Masatu attributes to complacency.

“After the 0-0 draw in Abidjan, we thought we had one hand on the trophy. Even the Stella players looked defeated in the first leg. But it was unexpected in the return leg when they scored early, things went downhill fast. It was a bitter lesson,” he said.

He stressed that Simba must give everything on the pitch and not assume the job is done, regardless of the first leg result.

“It’s not over until it’s over. Simba must stretch to the limit to bring the glory that all Simba fans and the nation are dreaming of,” he stressed.

Simba will be counting on home support in Zanzibar as they are hopeful of clinching the title. But many warn that Berkane— winners of the 2020 and 2022 editions—pose a serious threat if underestimated especially as they are 2-0 ahead.

Veteran players have also encouraged Simba to remain positive about playing at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, despite their earlier hopes of hosting the CAF match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Adolph Rishad, a renowned midfielder who played for Pan African and Young Africans in the 1980s and early 1990s, weighed in on the venue change, urging Simba and its supporters to embrace the decision.

“Zanzibar is Tanzania,” Rishad said. “Whether the match is played in Dar es Salaam or on the spice island, Simba will still have home advantage.”

He reminded fans and players alike that victory depends not on the venue, but on the quality displayed on the field.

“Of course, home advantage matters,” he acknowledged. “But given the reasons CAF has provided, it’s time to accept the decision and focus on preparing for victory. What matters now is ensuring the trophy remains on Tanzanian soil.”

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Using a vivid metaphor, Rishad compared a football team to an army and its players to soldiers.

“Just as a soldier doesn’t choose the battlefield, a footballer doesn’t choose the ground on which to fight for glory,” he noted.

He added that both Simba and Yanga have played in Zanzibar since the 1970s, making the venue far from unfamiliar territory.

“In fact, there was a memorable clash between the two giants back in 1975 right there on the Isles,” he recalled.

Former Simba and Taifa Stars defender George Masatu echoed Rishad’s sentiments, insisting that Simba’s fate will be determined by their quality and composure—not by the location of the pitch.

“I have great faith in this Simba squad,” said Masatu. “Coach Fadlu Davids and his technical bench are more than capable of cooking up a winning strategy. Whether the match is played in Dar, Dodoma or Zanzibar—Simba can still roar,” he said.

He dismissed the idea of the New Amaan Complex being a disadvantage, noting that it has long been a familiar battleground.

“This is not the firsttime venture. There’s no reason Simba shouldn’t clinch the title here,” he said.

Masatu concluded by calling on all Tanzanians to support the club in their continental pursuit.

“This is a national mission. Simba are representing all of us. Let’s support them to finally bring home a continental crown that has eluded us since 1993.”