Halftime talk cleared Simba win

DAR ES SALAAM: SIMBA Head Coach Steve Barker praised his side’s tactical maturity after a spectacular continental goal-fest, emphasising that they maximised the opportunity to completely dominate Mighty Wanderers through sustained pressure and relentless intensity.

The Msimbazi Reds put on a technical masterclass, dictating the tempo from the opening whistle.

Speaking in his post-match brief, Barker revealed that his half-time team talk focused entirely on avoiding complacency.

“The message at halftime was, you know, we mustn’t stop and we mustn’t take our foot off the pedal,” said Barker.

The Msimbazi giants executed the game plan flawlessly, utilising patient, high-possession football to tire out the opposition defence before ruthlessly clinical finishes settled the tie.

“A solid performance all round,” Barker remarked.

“The way we control the game with our possession… eventually the opposition got tired and we’re able to capitalise.”

While Barker noted that the goal haul provides an immense confidence boost, focus shifts immediately to Wednesday’s crucial NBC Mainland Premier League fixture against Azam FC.

“We can now enjoy the moment, but for this block we have one big game on Wednesday,” Barker added.

Midfield maestro Clatous Chama, who ignited the goal-fest with a stunning brace before being substituted, emphasised that Simba has a rich continental legacy to protect.

He noted that senior players constantly motivate new signings to guard the club’s proud history while forging an even greater legacy.

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“The words we can tell these other new players are just to motivate and push them,” Chama said.

“And to remind them that history exists to remind us and push us so that we continue to create another history.”

Meanwhile, Wanderers interim Head Coach, Macdonald Mtetemera, conceded his side was utterly outclassed at the Uhuru Stadium, despite a determined shift.

“I can say the better team today (Sunday) won,” the Malawian tactician admitted.

“I concede that it has been a bad day for us, but anyway, football is football.”

Mtetemera lamented that his players were ultimately paralysed by fear.

“Individual players gave Simba too much respect. Consequently, they could not be the first to the ball. It is deeply disappointing to lose by such a massive margin.”