SIMBA Sports Club head coach Fadlu Davids has expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance following a resounding 3-0 victory over Canal SC in their first pre-season friendly match in Egypt.

The match, which showcased the skills and strategic preparation of the Simba squad, has set a positive tone for the upcoming season.

Davids commended his players for their efforts, noting that the hard work during the two-week pre-season training camp in Egypt is starting to pay off. 

“I am happy that we were able to win the match with 3-0 goals. The players have played well; after two weeks of training, this is a good step for us,” he stated.

Simba’s triumph was led by Jean Charles Ahoua, who netted two goals, and Augustine Okejepha, who added another, sealing a comfortable win. 

Davids highlighted the team’s strong start, particularly their performance in the first half. 

“This is a special strategic match; we started well and scored two goals in the first half. If we didn’t make a change of players, we had a chance to score even five goals,” he said.

The coach emphasized the importance of the match in assessing the players’ progress and fitness levels. 

“It was a match in which we aimed to give every player an opportunity to see how we have succeeded in our preparation. Every player got at least 30 minutes of play, except for two players, Awesu and Onana, who were late to join us here in Egypt and played for 20 minutes. We gave some players more time, around 50 minutes, considering their fitness and readiness after this short training period,” Davids explained.

Despite the positive outcome, Davids acknowledged that there is still work to be done. 

“We still have work to do. On average, we needed at least six weeks of preparation. We have a new team, with most of the players being foreigners. We need to build them methodically and get more friendlies,” he added.

Looking ahead, Davids is optimistic about the team’s progress and their readiness for the new season. “Until Simba Day, we will have found at least four weeks of action. We will be in the best shape and in no time, we will reach our goals and our expectation to have the best team,” he affirmed.

Simba are also gearing up for the highly anticipated Dar es Salaam derby against their long-time rivals, Young Africans, which will kick off the 2024-2025 Premier League season. The semi-final clash is scheduled for August 8 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and will serve as the Community Shield match, marking the commencement of the upcoming season. 

Additionally, another pivotal semi-final between Coastal Union and Azam FC will be played at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.

The Msimbazi Street-based side, who are the Community Shield’s reigning champions, secured their title in a nail-biting finish last season by defeating Young Africans 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time. 

This intense encounter took place on August 13 at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga, with Simba’s victory solidifying their dominance in Tanzanian football, thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Ally Salim, who saved crucial shots from Khalid Aucho, Zouzoua Pacome, and Kouassi Yao.

The derby between Simba and Young Africans is expected to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams carry the weight of their previous season’s performances. 

With the pre-season off to a strong start and the upcoming derby promising to be a spectacle, Simba are poised to continue their success and maintain their status as one of Tanzania’s football powerhouses.