AFTER a stellar start to the NBC Premier League season, Simba SC head coach Fadlu Davids is now shifting the team's focus to their upcoming CAF Confederations Cup group stage campaign.

Simba, currently leading the league with 25 points from 10 games, boasts eight wins, one draw, and one loss. A series of setbacks faced by their rivals, Young Africans, has paved the way for Simba to secure the league’s top spot.

Simba had a challenging spell after dropping five points in back-to-back games, drawing 2-2 with Coastal Union after conceding two second-half goals and losing 1-0 to Young Africans. 

Since then, however, they’ve regained momentum with consecutive victories over Mashujaa, KMC, Tanzania Prisons, and Namungo.

With the FIFA international break approaching, Davids aims to use this period to regroup and fine-tune their preparations for the CAF Confederations Cup. 

Simba’s upcoming match against Pamba Jiji, initially scheduled for November 21, has been postponed due to their CAF fixtures, and a new date will be announced by the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB).

During the break, Davids (pictured) has encouraged his players to embrace a CAF competition mindset, with their group stage opener against Bravos do Maquis scheduled for November 28. 

This home match will be followed by away games against CS Constantine in Algeria on December 8 and CS Sfaxien in Tunisia on December 15. 

This return to CAF Confederations Cup action follows their narrow elimination by Orlando Pirates last season, which ended in a tense penalty shootout after a 1-1 aggregate draw.

“We’re heading into the FIFA break with recovery in mind, but the real competition starts on the training ground,” Davids stated. “Players must fight for their spots and earn their place in the lineup. I’m very pleased with the performances from those who have taken recent opportunities.”

Davids emphasized the need for heightened intensity and a strategic approach as the team transitions to CAF interclub competition. 

Drawing on their experience from a previous encounter with Al Ahli Tripoli, he urged his players to aim for early qualification through a renewed focus on performance and resilience.

Reflecting on recent league success, Davids praised his squad for their adaptability despite lineup rotations. He also underscored the importance of a versatile scoring approach, aiming to distribute the goal-scoring responsibility across various positions. 

“To reduce pressure on our strikers, we need goals from unexpected sources. It’s crucial to keep our opponents guessing with threats from different angles and positions,” he added.

Simba’s CAF Confederations Cup ambitions will also be supported by new signing Elie Mpanzu, who is set to be eligible to play in the upcoming matches. 

Additionally, Simba plan to bolster the squad further when the mini-transfer window opens on December 15, enhancing their depth and competitive edge as they pursue early qualification for the tournament’s quarterfinals.