Simba’s squad departed Dar es Salaam early this morning for Botswana, where they will face Gaborone United in the first leg of the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, in Botswana, with kickoff at 8:00 p.m.
Following their defeat to Yanga in yesterday’s Community Shield, it is clear that coach Fadlu Davids and his technical bench cannot afford to lose this away fixture, as the result could add more pressure regarding his future.
Simba’s management was displeased with the outcome against Yanga, effectively setting Davids a test: to ensure Simba reach the group stage of the Champions League.
Speaking shortly before the squad’s departure today, Fadlu said they are heading to Botswana to fight, with the aim of securing a good result that will put them in a strong position ahead of the return leg scheduled for September 27 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
“This is the Champions League; every team participating is among the best in its country. We know Gaborone United will want to do well at home. It won’t be an easy match, but we have our goals,” he said.
“We need to secure a positive result that will give us the advantage heading into the return leg next week at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium,” he added.
This season, Simba have set ambitious targets across all competitions: to win domestic titles and achieve greater success in the Champions League, building on last season’s Confederation Cup run that saw them reach the final.
