SIMBA head coach Fadlu Davids is optimistic that goals will eventually come for Ellie Mpanzu, despite the attacking midfielder's wastefulness in the 2-0 victory over CS Constantine last weekend.

While Mpanzu (pictured) missed three significant opportunities during the CAF Confederation Cup Group stage match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, his contributions were still pivotal to the team's success; he assisted Dennis Kibu's opening goal and played a crucial role in Leonel Ateba's second-half strike.

When asked about Mpanzu’s struggles in front of goal, Davids highlighted the challenge of integrating new players into a cohesive attacking structure, where positional awareness and tactical flexibility are key.

“I'm very happy with Mpanzu. You know, it's difficult if you take a curriculum of six months and try to squeeze it all into a short space of time,” he said.

Davids elaborated on the complexities of Mpanzu's role, stating: “Which position do I have to take? Do I have to be wide? Do I have to be inside? Do I have to make counter-movements? 

“I'm talking about the attacking structure, not even the defensive part. There's a lot of detail that goes into how we press, when we press, in which direction we press.”

The coach expressed satisfaction with Mpanzu's adaptation to the team's system: “So I'm extremely happy how he's adapted, how he's come into the team. The goals will come. 

“We can see the threat is there. Fantastic today for the first time maybe in the matches, making runs beyond the defence line.”

Davids went on to emphasize Mpanzu's diverse skill set and is confident he is poised for a breakthrough in front of goal.

“He can receive it wide; he can receive it inside; he can go in one against one. And now finally we saw the runs in behind. The goals will come. 

“He has so many attacking skills within his arsenal. So, it's just a matter of time. And when he does start scoring, I'm afraid he won't stop.”