Simba ready for CAF tough test

SOUTH AFRICA: SIMBA Head Coach, Fadlu Davids, has urged caution and composure ahead of his side’s decisive CAF Confederation Cup semi-final secondleg clash against South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium today.

The Tanzanian giants head into the encounter with a slim 1-0 lead from the first leg played at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar last weekend.

Simba are aiming to reach the CAF Confederation Cup final. A win or draw would seal their place in the final, while Stellenbosch will need to overturn the deficit suffered on foreign soil.

Speaking during the prematch press conference, Davids underscored the unpredictability of high-stakes knockout fixtures, noting that past results in similar matches serve as a reminder that no team should be underestimated.

“You cannot predict in matches of this magnitude,” Davids said. “Everybody probably expected Pirates to win, but even with two away goals they didn’t qualify. That shows us there’s no big club or small club — it’s all about managing the pressure.”

Davids, who took over during a major squad overhaul, highlighted the team’s transition phase, pointing out that only four players from last season’s starting lineup remain. Despite the challenges, he praised his young squad for rising to the occasion.

“Simba is a huge institution, a club that should be playing in the Champions’ League group stages. But we are in a rebuilding phase — 13 new signings, most between 18 and 24 years old. We have probably exceeded expectations, but we know the job isn’t done yet.”

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Forward Steven Mukwala echoed his coach’s sentiments, expressing belief in the squad’s readiness and determination to finish the job.

“We know the task ahead is not small, but we are ready,” Mukwala stated. “The 1-0 lead is not enough. Stellenbosch is a good team with young, hungry players, but Simba is a big club and we’re prepared to fight for recognition on the continental stage.