Fadlu blames Simba’s setback on adversities

ZANZIBAR: SIMBA SC’s journey in the CAF Confederation Cup ended in heartbreak on Sunday night, not with a lack of ambition or effort, but with a storm of adversity that proved too heavy to overcome.

A 1-1 draw against RS Berkane in the return leg at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar sealed their 3-1 aggregate defeat, costing them a shot at continental glory.

But for head coach Fadlu Davids, the story of Simba’s exit is not just about the result  it is about the series of obstacles his team faced.

From officiating controversies, to injuries, to the mental and emotional toll of playing under pressure, Davids pointed to multiple layers of adversity that ultimately derailed Simba’s title ambitions.

“The main theme of the week and of both legs has been adversity,” Davids said post-match.

“From what happened in training, to the match decisions and the situations on the field, our players were challenged in every possible way.”

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Simba began the second leg with urgency, scoring early and igniting hopes of a comeback. But momentum was repeatedly interrupted first by a string of fouls and free kicks awarded to the visitors, then by a controversial red card that reduced the home side to 10 men in the second half.

“It really looked like the ball was played,” Davids said of the red card incident on Yusuf Kagoma. “Still, our players didn’t back down. With 10 men, they went toe to toe with Berkane.”

He also raised concerns over the lack of clarity from VAR, particularly in key moments that went against Simba. “We didn’t see the VAR lines.

Nobody did. But we accept it. We accept, but we don’t forget.” Despite the disappointment, Davids expressed immense pride in his squad, highlighting their mental strength and collective growth throughout the competition.

“Over these two legs, our players have grown the most. And what we experienced, we will grow from. This is a true testament to the team we’re building.

We are Simba  a team of integrity, a team that fights through adversity.” RS Berkane lifted the Confederation Cup trophy, but Simba walk away with heads held high, knowing that their campaign, though ending in defeat, revealed the heart and potential of a team built to overcome.