SIMBA Sports Club’s head coach, Fadlu Davids, is confident that the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup (CAF CC) match against Al Ahly Tripoli will serve as an important test for his team.

Simba are set to play the Libyan giants at the June 11 Stadium in Tripoli on Sunday, in what promises to be a high-pressure mouth-watering encounter away from home.

The match marks the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round, with the return leg scheduled to be played at Dar es Salaam’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. The winner of this two-legged tie will secure a spot in the prestigious group stage of the tournament.

Coach Davids expressed his readiness for the challenge ahead. 

“Facing Al Ahly Tripoli will be a good test for us to understand the strengths and weaknesses of our squad. Playing away from home in a high-pressure environment will push my players to perform at their best,” Davids stated.

Davids emphasized that his team is well-prepared for the contest, both physically and mentally. He believes that the match in Libya will gauge their preparedness for the rest of the CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

He said: “We understand the challenge that lies ahead. We are facing a strong team in Al Ahly Tripoli, but we have worked hard to ensure the players are in top physical condition and mentally ready for the game,” Davids said. “It is essential that we perform well in the first leg to set the tone for the return leg in Dar es Salaam.”

The Simba coach also acknowledged the importance of being prepared for any outcome in the away fixture. 

“Playing away is always difficult, especially in countries like Libya, where the atmosphere can be quite intense. However, our team has experience in such situations, having played in challenging stadiums in Morocco against Wydad Casablanca and in Egypt against Al Ahly,” he said.

One of the positive aspects of the upcoming match is the return of key players who were on international duty. Simba will have a full squad to choose from, with several players returning from representing their respective national teams. Davids highlighted the performances of these players during the international break.

“Many of our players have been in excellent form for their national teams,” Davids said. “For instance, Ally Salim, Mohamed Hussein, and Edwin Balua played significant roles for Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, while Steven Mukwala was crucial for Uganda. We are fortunate to have them back, and their form will be critical for us in Libya.”

The return of these players will undoubtedly boost Simba SC’s chances as they aim to make a strong statement in Tripoli. Their experience and form will add depth to the squad, which has been preparing intensively for the upcoming clash.

The June 11 Stadium in Tripoli, which has a capacity of 60,000 fans, is expected to be packed to the brim as Al Ahly Tripoli have already announced that all tickets for the match have been sold. The stadium is known for its electric atmosphere, and Simba will need to stay composed in such a high-pressure environment.

Davids remains optimistic, citing his team’s previous experience in playing in similar conditions. 

“We are no strangers to playing in tough environments. We have played in front of hostile crowds in Morocco, Egypt, and other countries. This experience will help us manage the pressure and perform well,” Davids remarked.

Simba’s squad features a mix of seasoned players and newcomers, with about 14 stars set to make their debut in such an intense atmosphere. The game will be an opportunity for these players to prove their mettle and contribute to the team’s success.

While the focus is currently on the first leg in Libya, Davids is fully aware that the tie will ultimately be decided over two legs. The return leg in Dar es Salaam presents Simba with a chance to capitalize on home advantage, where they will be backed by their passionate fans at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

“We are taking it one game at a time, but we know the importance of getting a good result in Tripoli. Our aim is to give ourselves the best possible chance to finish the job at home in Dar es Salaam,” Davids said.

The players, coaching staff, and fans all recognize the significance of this match in their CAF Confederation Cup journey. A win in Tripoli would not only boost their chances of progressing to the group stage but also solidify their status as one of Africa’s top football clubs.