DAR ES SALAAM: AS Simba SC prepares for the crucial CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals, football legends Edgar Fongo and George Masatu have raised serious concerns over the team’s striking and set piece inefficiencies.
And both have called for urgent improvements in these areas to ensure the team remains competitive at this critical knockout stage of the competition.
Seasoned football analyst Fongo identified Simba’s struggles in converting set-piece opportunities as a key vulnerability that could prove costly in the knockout rounds.
“Free kicks, corners and penalties are crucial in the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals and Tanzanian clubs, including Simba, have not been as effective in utilising set-pieces compared to teams from West and North Africa,” he explained.
Fongo emphasised the importance of refining these tactical opportunities, urging Simba’s technical bench to focus on intensifying set-piece training.
“Our rivals can capitalise on just two corners to score, while we waste ten. Set-pieces often decide games and Simba must avoid conceding unnecessary fouls that provide dangerous opportunities to the opposition,” he cautioned.
On the subject of the team’s striking force, Masatu, a former Simba player disclosed the need for more clinical finishing in front of goal.
“Simba create plenty of scoring chances but struggle to convert them. The striking force requires immediate attention if the team is to progress further,” he stated.
Masatu noted that the inability to consistently convert chances has been a recurring issue that could hinder Simba’s bid for continental glory.
“This is the stage where goals matter the most as every missed opportunity can be the difference between winning and losing,” he added, stressing the importance of precision in attack.
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Fongo echoed Masatu’s concerns, noting that while Simba boasts talented players with international experience, their success often hinges on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play.
“The squad is still adjusting and the understanding between players has not reached its optimal level. The team also lacks a creative midfielder to control the tempo and dictate the game,” Fongo pointed out.
Both legends also addressed the psychological aspect of the game, urging Simba’s players to improve their mental fortitude, particularly in high-pressure moments.
Masatu suggested that the coaching staff should focus on training goalkeepers to manage intense situations with composure.
“Goalkeepers need to calm the game down during high-pressure moments. This can help stabilise the team and prevent unnecessary mistakes,” he advised.
“This is not the time for experiments. Only players performing at their best should feature. It’s a do-or-die stage,” Fongo concluded. Looking ahead to the quarterfinals, the duo stressed the importance of discipline and accountability within the squad.
“In our time, players would hold each other accountable, pointing out weaknesses constructively in meetings. This fostered team spirit and kept everyone focused on the collective goal,” Masatu shared.
With the quarterfinals demanding precision, focus and tactical excellence, both legends believe that improving striking efficiency and set-piece execution could be the key to Simba’s success.
