Coach Davids eyes tactical shift to overcome Simba’s away match struggles

By Seth Mapoli , The Guardian
Published at 12:30 PM Nov 04 2024
SIMBA Sports Club’s head coach, Fadlu Davids
Photo: File
SIMBA Sports Club’s head coach, Fadlu Davids

SIMBA Sports Club’s head coach, Fadlu Davids, has voiced concerns over his team’s recent away game performances, particularly the difficulties they encounter on challenging pitches that disrupt their preferred style of play.

After narrowly clinching a 1-0 win against Mashujaa FC on Friday, Davids is exploring new tactical adaptations to help Simba maintain their form in challenging away matches.

In their recent match at Lake Tanganyika Stadium, Simba struggled against Mashujaa FC, needing a stoppage-time goal to secure the victory. 

Davids (pictured) noted that uneven and difficult playing surfaces have impacted the team’s ground-passing game, which relies on quick, fluid movements. 

Recognizing the importance of overcoming these conditions, Davids is preparing alternative approaches to ensure that Simba can achieve positive results on less ideal pitches.

"These away matches are tough, and we have to adapt our techniques to suit the conditions we face," Davids remarked. "Despite these challenges, I'm pleased with how every player steps up to fulfill their roles, no matter the circumstances."

Simba’s recent away record has been marked by a series of close victories, often by slim margins. Out of four away matches, the club has managed three narrow 1-0 wins against Dodoma Jiji at Jamhuri Stadium, Tanzania Prisons at Sokoine Stadium, and Mashujaa FC at Lake Tanganyika Stadium. 

They also registered a 2-0 victory over Azam FC at the New Amaan Complex, showing their resilience to secure points in challenging settings.

With three more points secured after the Mashujaa FC encounter, Simba are set to return home to face KMC at the KMC Complex tomorrow. 

This fixture could be pivotal, as a win would potentially return them to the top of the league standings, tightening the championship race. 

The recent 1-0 upset of Young Africans by Azam FC has kept the top of the table competitive, with only a two-point gap between Simba and Young Africans.

Davids emphasized the importance of consistency, particularly in home matches, as they aim to avoid any stumbles in their pursuit of the title. 

"It’s essential that we don’t drop points, especially at home," Davids stated. "The team has worked hard to secure points on the road, and now we need to keep that momentum going in front of our fans."

Simba’s away form has been particularly impressive, with a 100% winning record on the road so far this season. 

Ironically, the team has dropped five points on home ground, with a 1-0 loss to rivals Young Africans and a 2-2 draw against Coastal Union. 

Simba currently hold 22 points from nine matches, with a record of seven wins, one draw, and one loss. They have netted a total of 17 goals while conceding only three, underscoring their solid performances on both offense and defense.

Following the KMC game, Simba will take a brief break due to the international FIFA calendar, which pauses league action for two weeks. 

This intermission will allow Davids and his squad to regroup and refine their tactics before resuming league play on November 21 against Pamba Jiji FC. 

Shortly after, Simba will face a major challenge in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, where they are set to meet Angolan side Bravos do Maquis.

As the season progresses, Simba fans will be closely observing how Davids' tactical adjustments impact the team’s performance, especially in crucial away games. 

With a focus on adaptability and resilience, Davids remains determined to steer Simba towards success, ensuring that their ambitions in both domestic and continental competitions remain intact.