The CAF Confederation Cup final for the 2024/25 season carries a unique sense of drama—not only for Tanzanian football fans but also for football lovers across the continent. This clash brings together two football powerhouses: Simba SC of Tanzania and RS Berkane of Morocco. But for Simba's head coach, Fadlu Davids, this is no ordinary match, a revenge mission against a club that has haunted his coaching career on this very stage.
Fadlu Davids’ History Against RS Berkane
Fadlu Davids has faced RS Berkane more than once in his coaching career. The first major encounter came when he was part of the technical bench at Orlando Pirates in the 2021/22 CAF Confederation Cup final. Despite a strong performance from his team, Pirates lost the title in a heartbreaking penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. That defeat still lingers as a painful memory for Fadlu.
Since then, Fadlu has had further encounters with RS Berkane while serving as Assistant Coach at Raja Casablanca, a fierce domestic rival of Berkane in the Moroccan league. Across those two seasons, he witnessed firsthand just how competitive, organized, and experienced RS Berkane is on the African stage.
A Match for Revenge
Now serving as Head Coach of Simba SC, Fadlu meets RS Berkane again—this time in a position where he has full control over the team’s tactics and decisions. Reflecting on that past final, he admitted:
"That game still brings painful memories. We beat Simba in the quarter-finals, knocked out Al Ahli Tripoli, and then lost to Berkane on penalties. They're a very strong side. And their coach, Mouin Chaabani—we faced him last season when he was with Raja Casablanca"
Clearly, this final is more than just a shot at the title for Fadlu—it’s personal. It’s about redemption and settling an old score with a team that denied him glory before.
First Leg: Away in Morocco – May 17
Simba will travel to Morocco for the first leg—a major challenge, given Berkane’s strong home record. This means Simba must be extremely disciplined defensively while aiming to snatch a vital away goal. Fadlu’s tactical approach will be tested under pressure.
Second Leg: Home at Benjamin Mkapa – May 25
The return leg in Dar es Salaam offers Simba a chance to seal the deal in front of their passionate fans. The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium has been a fortress for Simba throughout this campaign, and expectations will be sky-high to witness history being made on home soil.
Conclusion
For Simba SC, this is a golden opportunity to make history by winning their first-ever CAF Confederation Cup title. For Fadlu Davids, it’s a deeply personal journey—an opportunity to avenge a painful past, outsmart a familiar coaching rival (Mouin Chaabani), and prove his growth from assistant to head coach capable of conquering the continent.
