Simba plot Berkane fight back

ZANZIBAR: SIMBA Head Coach Fadlu Davids has issued a rousing call to arms ahead of the team’s decisive CAF Confederation Cup final second leg against RS Berkane, insisting that Simba still have everything to play for despite a 2-0 defeat in the first leg in Morocco. Coach Fadlu made it clear yesterday in Zanzibar during …

ZANZIBAR: SIMBA Head Coach Fadlu Davids has issued a rousing call to arms ahead of the team’s decisive CAF Confederation Cup final second leg against RS Berkane, insisting that Simba still have everything to play for despite a 2-0 defeat in the first leg in Morocco.

Coach Fadlu made it clear yesterday in Zanzibar during the pre-match interview that Simba will throw everything they have into today’s clash at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, as they aim to overturn the deficit and bring continental glory to Tanzania.

“Let me tell you something – we have faced this before. Against Al Masry, we were 2-0 down and everyone wrote us off. We came back. This is no different,” Fadlu said. “Tomorrow, Berkane will feel the wrath of Simba.”

Fadlu stressed that this final is more than just a match — it’s a test of character and belief. And Simba will not only need to match Berkane physically and tactically, but mentally too. He was quick to point out that the first leg, despite the score line, revealed key lessons that his young squad has taken to heart.

“It was probably the biggest learning moment of the season,” he admitted. “We adjusted in the second half and it was an even match from then. The boys now believe – and belief is the first step to turning it around.”

While acknowledging the quality of Berkane, who are yet to concede a goal in the knockout stages and have already secured domestic title, Fadlu stressed that the Moroccan giants haven’t yet faced Simba at full strength.

“They haven’t seen Simba at our best yet. But they will,” he warned.

He hinted that Simba will take a bold, attacking approach — confident in their ability to score goals, but also wise to the risks of conceding.

Though the match is being played away from their traditional fortress at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Fadlu urged fans to turn the New Amaan Complex into a sea of red.

“We want the people of Zanzibar and all of Tanzania to unite behind us. This may not be our home ground, but we must make it feel like one. Let us dream together,” he said.

Fadlu also called for fair officiating and a clean match, referencing the need for strong refereeing to avoid excessive time-wasting or gamesmanship that could disrupt the spectacle.

“Let football be the winner. If we lose fairly, we grow. But let’s give African football the final it deserves,” he noted.

Simba SC may be two goals down, but they are not out. With tactical tweaks, unwavering belief and the backing of a passionate nation, Fadlu’s men are ready to give everything.

“We will fight. Each and every player will give their all. Because this tie — it’s not over.”

RS Berkane Head Coach Mouin Chaabani acknowledged that while his side faced some weather-related challenges upon arrival in Zanzibar, their preparations for the decisive second leg have gone according to their plan. The Moroccan tactician expects a fiercely contested match, but remains confident in his squad’s readiness and renewed strength.

“The weather has been a bit difficult, but we have adapted well,” said Chaabani during the pre-match press conference. “We have had good preparation overall and we know what to expect from Simba. It will be a very competitive match.”

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Berkane head into the second leg with a 2-0 advantage, but Chaabani noted he is not taking anything for granted. He confirmed that several key players who missed the first leg due to injury are now available for selection, providing a major boost to their squad depth.

“We were missing some important players in the first leg, but now they are back and that gives us even more energy and options,” he added. “We respect Simba — they are a strong team, especially at home — but we are here to finish the job.”