Simba fit to face ASEC Mimosas

DAR ES SALAAM: INTERIM Simba Coach, Daniel Cadena has said his charges are mentally, physically and tactically ready to face ASEC Mimosas in today’s tense CAF Champions League match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The two teams meet in the opening game of their Group B, with each side looking forward to bagging maximum points and kicking off the campaign on the gas pedal.

At a pre-match briefing on Friday, Cadena reiterated that after their last competitive match against Namungo, there are many things they have changed, and as such, fans should expect a convincing performance from them.

“We prepared them (players) to be mentally, physically and tactically ready for this match and I have trust in my team, in my work and in Simba fans. “Normally, when you do not win, nobody is happy and after the changes made on the technical bench, the mentality of players was different, but now we are all focusing on tomorrow’s (today’s) game.” Besides, he pointed out that they have done enough research on their opponent ASEC Mimosas, highlighting that they are a good side, but Simba expect nothing less than a victory.

He also revealed the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, Aishi Manula will be absent, nursing a minor leg injury while Clatous Chama will possibly miss due to late return to camp from his national team (Zambia)’s duties. He added that they are assessing him if he is fit to play.

On his part, Simba’s centre-back, Che Malone, called on their fans to go in big numbers to give them full support, saying they need their backing in order to do well.

For ASEC Mimosas, their Coach Julien Chevalier also reiterated that they are here (in Tanzania) to make the most of the game to win.

“The last time we faced them was in the CAF Confederation Cup and this time, we are playing in the Champions League, a different experience but we are ready for the match. “At this level, details are very important. So, we’re trying to prepare as best as possible since qualifying. There’s a huge string of matches at home… Good, it gives players time to play, situations that allow us to seek to progress collectively,” he said.

Captain Aka Essis’s prematch press conference, noted: “This is a beautiful way to express our worth. As the coach usually says, only the pitch will say the truth.”