SIMBA SC’s Communication and Information Manager, Ahmed Ally, has expressed confidence ahead of the team’s trip to Tunisia for their CAF Confederation Cup return leg against CS Sfaxien.

Ally declared that Simba are traveling with one clear mission: to secure victory.

“We are heading to Tunisia with a single goal in mind; winning against CS Sfaxien. The team is prepared and focused on achieving this objective,” Ally stated.

The clash, scheduled for Sunday, January 5, 2025, will be played behind closed doors after CAF imposed a two-match fan ban on CS Sfaxien due to violent incidents during their previous home games.

Simba, currently leading the Premier League standings, will aim for a win or a draw to bolster their chances of advancing to the quarter-finals. The team heads into the fixture with momentum after concluding 2024 on top of the league standings.

Simba players returned to training yesterday after a two-day break, holding two intense sessions morning and evening to sharpen their skills before departing for Tunisia early today morning. 

The team is set to complete its group stage fixtures over the next three weeks, needing at least four points to secure a quarter-final berth.

Simba’s final two matches in the group stage include an away game against Angola’s Bravos do Maquis on January 12 and a decisive home encounter against Algeria’s CS Constantine on January 19.

Group A is tightly contested, with Simba, CS Constantine, and Bravos do Maquis all tied on six points. CS Sfaxien, the group’s weakest link, has yet to register a point, making them a target for the top teams aiming to advance.

Simba’s strategy is clear: secure crucial points on the road and capitalize on home advantage. A total of 10 points is viewed as the threshold for quarter-final qualification, although nine points could suffice depending on other results.

“Winning on the road and maintaining dominance at home are essential. The team that achieves this will likely advance to the next stage,” Ally emphasized.

In unfortunate news, Simba’s attacking midfielder Joshua Mutale is expected to be out for three weeks due to a knee injury sustained during their 1-0 league victory over JKT Tanzania on December 24.

Mutale’s absence has been a recurring issue since joining Simba, as injuries have plagued his debut season. He is likely to miss all three remaining group stage matches in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Despite Mutale’s injury, head coach Fadlu Davids has reliable options to maintain the team’s competitiveness. The recent addition of Elie Mpanzu and the rising form of young winger Ladack Chasambi provide assurance of quality depth in the squad.

Simba remain optimistic as they look to build on their domestic success and translate it into continental triumphs. With a strong squad and strategic focus, the team is determined to secure its place in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals.

Simba’s journey to Tunisia marks the beginning of a crucial phase in their campaign, with every point vital in the race for continental glory.