Simba head coach Dimitar Pantev has said he has studied Angolan side Petro Atletico and acknowledged that they are a strong team, but remains confident that his squad is better and has a good chance of winning their opening CAF Champions League group stage match on November 21 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Pantev expressed pride in the quality and experience of his team in CAF competitions, noting that Simba reached the final of the CAF Confederation Cup last season.
“Petro are a good team, but for Simba we have no fear in facing them. We don’t underestimate them, but we don’t fear them either,” said Pantev.
“We have big ambitions, and most importantly, we have a squad with experience in playing at this stage of CAF competitions,” he added.
The Bulgarian tactician, who joined Simba from Gaborone United — where he won the Botswana Premier League title last season — emphasized the importance of fan support in all group stage matches.
He called on Simba fans to continue showing unity, supporting the players, and maintaining the team’s morale ahead of the match against Petro Atletico and the rest of the group stage fixtures.
“At this stage, we really need our fans. You know, when you play in a packed stadium full of supporters cheering for you throughout, it makes a big difference,” added Pantev.
The good news for Simba is that the club has completed its CAF-imposed one-match fan ban, meaning the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is expected to be a ‘full house’ for the clash against Petro Atletico.
