SIMBA SC head coach Fadlu Davids has expressed pride in his team's achievement of qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals but emphasized their determination to finish as group leaders.

This would secure a second-leg home advantage in the knockout stages.

Currently, CS Constantine leads Group A with 12 points, while Simba follow closely with 10 points. Both teams have already qualified for the quarterfinals, leaving their final group-stage clash at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium as a battle for top spot.

A victory against the Algerian side on Sunday would allow Simba to top the group and avoid facing powerhouses such as RS Berkane, Zamalek, and USM Alger - clubs that have all claimed the title in the past five seasons - in the quarterfinals.

However, Simba will face an additional challenge as they play without fans, following a one-match crowd ban imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). 

This disciplinary action stems from fan misconduct during their 2-1 win over CS Sfaxien in December 2024.

In their most recent match, Simba drew 1-1 against Angola's Bravos do Maquis. The result secured their quarterfinal spot by bringing their total to 10 points in Group A.

Coach Davids (pictured) stressed the importance of finishing at the top of the group, noting the benefits of hosting the second leg of the quarterfinals.
 “We had a goal to qualify early, and now we have succeeded. But there is still one important thing: to finish at the top of our group,” Davids said.

 “The match against CS Constantine is very important to us; it is a match to get three points that will put us at the top of the group. It will be a tough match because CS Constantine is a good team and they know how to play big matches.”

The coach emphasized Simba's attacking and possession-based approach as key to breaking through CS Constantine's defense.
 “We will need to be careful and try to break their defense, but we have the ability to win if we play our attacking and possession-based game,” he added.

Davids also voiced his frustration with CAF’s decision to impose a one-match ban on fans and a $40,000 fine (approximately Tsh. 100,000,000).
 
“CAF’s decision is unfair because CS Sfaxien were the ones who started the trouble. I’m not saying we responded well, but it’s disappointing,” he said.
 
“It’s disappointing to play without fans. They push us to the limit, helping us stay aggressive even when we are down. However, we will be happy to have them back during the quarterfinals.”

Simba last reached the quarterfinals in the 2021/2022 season, where they were eliminated by Orlando Pirates on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate draw.

This season, the Tanzanian giants have set their sights on reaching the CAF Confederation Cup final, seeking to go beyond their quarterfinal appearances in recent years.