David hails vibrant spirit of players, fans
DAR ES SALAAM: SIMBA head coach Fadlu Davids expressed pride in his team’s performance, discipline, and the energy of the fans after their commanding 3-1 victory over Al Ahly Tripoli, securing a spot in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.
The coach shared his comments shortly after today’s match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. He reflected on the atmosphere in Libya during the first leg last weekend and emphasized the significance of the match, given the quality of their opponent.
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“Our young players, many of whom are new to this level of competition, really stepped up,” Davids said. He acknowledged the challenges faced by his players in both legs, emphasizing the importance of learning from such high-stakes matches.
“The experience gained from playing in environments like Tripoli is invaluable,” he noted. “You can explain strategies and tactics to the players, but nothing compares to the real experience of facing a team at this level, which often feels like a quarter-final or semi-final.”
Davids highlighted the contrasting dynamics of the game, noting that while Simba had a plan, the intensity and atmosphere in Tripoli added a layer of complexity. “The players understood the stakes, but the reality of playing there was a whole different experience,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Davids remained humble about their upcoming challenges in the group stage. “We know this is just a small step. Advancing to the group stage is significant, but we must remain grounded as we prepare for what lies ahead,” he stated. “The road to making it out of the group will be tough, but we are ready to learn and grow from each match.”
Davids also took a moment to acknowledge the unwavering support from fans, “I want to thank our supporters for being with us every step of the way. Their presence, even from afar, motivates us to keep pushing forward,” he said. “The atmosphere they create is incredible, and it really lifts the team.”
