SIMBA SC players have declared their determination to secure a positive result in their second Group A match of the CAF Confederation Cup against Algeria’s CS Constantine.

The Tanzanian club’s head coach, Fadlu Davids, has emphasized that their sole focus is on winning the crucial encounter.

The game is scheduled for Sunday at 7:00 PM at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine, Algeria. 

Simba’s squad has already departed for Constantine, fully aware of the challenges posed by their Algerian opponents.

Speaking on behalf of the team, veteran midfielder Mzamiru Yassin (pictured) expressed the players’ readiness to battle for points in a match he anticipates will be far from easy.

“We are in intense training because we understand the task ahead. This is not an easy match, as some might think. Our opponents have already proven their strength by winning away against a strong team like CS Sfaxien, who are historically dominant in this competition,” Yassin said.

CS Sfaxien, a Tunisian side, has won the CAF Confederation Cup three times (2007, 2008, and 2013), underlining the caliber of teams in Group A. 

CS Constantine’s victory against such a formidable opponent highlights the level of competition Simba SC will face.

“We know they will be aiming for another win to boost their chances of qualifying for the quarter final However, we are determined to disrupt their plans. Our mission is to return home with three points, or at least one,” Yassin added.

Yassin, who joined Simba in 2016 from Mtibwa Sugar, commended the team’s technical bench under Fadlu Davids for their comprehensive preparation and tactical approach.

“Our technical bench is doing an exceptional job. This is one of the best setups we’ve had in recent years, and it gives us confidence that we can reach the quarter-finals. However, achieving that requires hard work and focus,” the defensive midfielder noted.

Simba’s head coach, Davids, has echoed the players’ sentiments, stressing the importance of preparation and competitive spirit.

“Victory is not a gift; it’s earned through hard work and preparation. We’re building a team capable of winning matches and achieving the club’s goal of reaching the quarter-finals,” Davids said.

Acknowledging the strength of CS Constantine, Davids described them as one of the toughest teams in the group. 

“They are a well-organized team with a strong squad. We respect them, but we are prepared to fight and get the result we need,” he added.

Simba started their campaign with a 1-0 victory against Angola’s Bravo do Maquis in Dar es Salaam. A positive result against CS Constantine would strengthen their position in the group as they aim to progress to the knockout stages.

CS Constantine, on the other hand, will be playing with added confidence after their away win against CS Sfaxien. 

With both teams seeking to bolster their qualification hopes, Sunday’s match promises to be a fiercely contested battle.

Simba’s players remain optimistic and committed to their goal. As Yassin put it: “We believe in our ability to advance, but belief alone is not enough. It’s about putting in the effort on the pitch, and that’s what we intend to do.”