Packed festive schedule awaits Simba with CAF and league commitments

By Seth Mapoli , The Guardian
Published at 08:43 AM Dec 12 2024
Head coach Simba SC, Fadlu Davids
Photo: File
Head coach Simba SC, Fadlu Davids

THE Premier League fixture between Simba SC and JKT Tanzania, originally postponed following a road accident involving JKT Tanzania, has now been rescheduled.

The much-anticipated clash will take place on December 24 at the KMC Complex in Mwenge, Dar es Salaam.

Simba face a packed schedule to conclude 2024, with four crucial league matches lined up in just 10 days. The club will kick off their December fixtures on December 18 against KenGold at the KMC Complex. 

Three days later, on December 21, they will travel to Bukoba to face Kagera Sugar at Kaitaba Stadium. Following the JKT Tanzania match on December 24, Simba will conclude their year with a clash against Tabora United at the Ali Hassan Mwinyi Stadium on December 28.

In the Premier League standings, Simba currently hold second place with 28 points from 11 matches, boasting nine wins, one draw, and one loss. 

Azam FC lead the table with 30 points from 13 matches while reigning champions Young Africans SC sit in third place with 27 points, having played 11 matches.

Amid their domestic commitments, Simba are also gearing up for a critical CAF Confederation Cup encounter against Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien. 

The match is set for this Sunday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. 

Head coach Fadlu Davids (pictured) has rallied fans to turnup in large numbers, expressing confidence in his team’s ability to deliver both a victory and entertaining football.

Speaking shortly after the team’s return from Algeria, where they suffered a narrow 2-1 loss to CS Constantine in their previous CAF match, Davids emphasized the importance of home support. 

“I promise Simba members and fans victory and clean football. Come in large numbers to Benjamin Mkapa on Sunday. When the stadium is full, it motivates the players to perform better,” he stated.

Reflecting on the defeat in Algeria, Davids acknowledged the challenges faced but assured fans of a strong comeback. 

“We were unlucky in the last match, but we are determined to bounce back and secure a positive result against CS Sfaxien,” he added.

Simba’s CAF Confederation Cup opponents, CS Sfaxien, arrived in Dar es Salaam yesterday after playing Bravo do Maquis in Angola. 

The Tunisian side lost 3-2 in their Group A clash but opted to travel directly to Tanzania, reportedly to acclimatize to the city’s hot and humid conditions. 

Logistical reasons, including the impracticality of returning to Tunisia before heading to Tanzania, also influenced their early arrival.

The early arrival underscores CS Sfaxien’s preparation and intent to make a strong impression on Sunday. 

Simba, however, will be looking to capitalize on home advantage to gain crucial points in their quest for CAF Confederation Cup glory.

Simba’s management has released the ticket pricing for the match against CS Sfaxien, ensuring affordability for fans while offering premium options for those seeking a VIP experience. 

Tickets are priced as follows: TShs. 3,000: Regular stands, TShs. 5,000: Orange stands, TShs. 10,000: VIP C, TShs. 20,000: VIP B, TShs. 30,000: VIP A, TShs. 150,000: Platinum, TShs. 200,000: Tanzanite

Simba have urged fans to secure their tickets early and turn out in large numbers to boost the team’s morale during this pivotal encounter.

With their domestic and continental commitments, December is shaping up to be a decisive month for Simba. 

The team’s ability to navigate their demanding schedule will be crucial in maintaining momentum across competitions. 

As they juggle league matches with the high-stakes Confederation Cup, all eyes will be on how Davids and his charges rise to the challenge.