SIMBA Sports Club head coach Fadlu Davids has expressed confidence in his team’s preparations as they get ready to face a challenging away match against Al Ahly Tripoli in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The two sides will meet in the first leg of the second preliminary round on Sunday, September 15, in Libya, with Simba aiming to secure a favorable result ahead of the return leg in Dar es Salaam a week later.

The stakes are high as both clubs vie for a spot in the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup, and Davids acknowledges the difficulty of the task at hand.

Speaking ahead of the clash, the South African tactician emphasized the importance of solid preparations and maintaining composure in what is expected to be a hostile environment.

“We have a tough match against Al Ahly Tripoli, especially considering we’ll be playing in front of their home crowd. Their fans will be fired up and eager to support their team, so it’s important that we remain focused and execute our game plan,” Davids said.

He added that his coaching staff had gathered key information on Al Ahly Tripoli, which they have been using to devise their strategy for the match. 

“We’ve had time to analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and we’ve worked on a tactical approach that we believe will give us the best chance of success in Libya,” he added.

Despite the challenges, Davids expressed confidence in the readiness of his squad, particularly following their recent friendly matches, which allowed him to assess the

team’s fitness and sharpness.

“At the moment, I am pleased with the physical condition of my players. This is a significant improvement from earlier in the season, during the Community Shield, where many of them lacked the fitness needed to sustain a full 90 minutes of competitive football,” he explained.

Simba’s preparations have been boosted by a strong start to their domestic campaign in the Tanzanian Premier League. 

The club has already registered back-to-back victories, beginning with a dominant 3-0 win over Tabora United, followed by a resounding 4-0 triumph against Singida Black Stars. 

These commanding performances have not only demonstrated Simba’s attacking prowess but also showcased their defensive solidity, a trait that will be crucial as they face the North African giants.

Davids acknowledged the confidence that his team has gained from these early victories but cautioned that the CAF Confederation Cup presents a different level of competition. 

“Domestic success is important, but continental football is always a different challenge. We have to approach this match with a winning mentality and ensure that we get a positive result away from home,” he said.

The tactician is well aware of the tactical acumen required to navigate such tough encounters in North Africa, a region known for producing some of the strongest footballing sides on the continent. 

Al Ahly Tripoli, in particular, is a formidable opponent with a rich history in continental competitions. Their experience, coupled with home advantage, will make the match a stern test for Simba.

Simba’s technical staff, led by Davids, has spent the past week meticulously preparing the squad. 

Key players like Jean Charles midfielder Debora Fernandez, and goalkeeper Aishi Manula have been working on fine-tuning their tactics and fitness ahead of the crucial fixture. 

Additionally, new signings who have recently integrated into the squad are expected to play an important role, with their presence adding depth and versatility to the team.

Simba were scheduled to depart for Libya either yesterday evening or today, giving them ample time to acclimatize and finalize their preparations before the Sunday showdown. 

The team is focused on securing a positive result in Tripoli to bring back home, where the return leg in Dar es Salaam could prove decisive for their ambitions of advancing to the group stage.