Newly-appointed Simba SC coach Fadlu Davids has revealed why he opted for the Dar es Salaam giants over Moroccan clubs that were courting him.

After completing a league and cup double as Raja Athletic Club assistant coach, Davids found himself in demand in the North African country. He reveals that he was offered head coach jobs following an invincible run with Raja in the Botola Pro League.

However, he opted for Simba, a club steeped in history but recently overshadowed by their arch-rivals, Young Africans [Yanga].

In an exclusive interview with FARPost, Davids has revealed what drew him to Simba’s ambitious project.

“There were a couple of head coach options for me in Morocco. But when Simba came calling and explained the project, it was a really exciting project to look forward to what we can build over the next years,” Davids revealed. “It was a no-brainer to take the job.”

Davids, formerly with Orlando Pirates and Maritzburg United, is no stranger to the pressures of managing big clubs, having gained experience both domestically and internationally. He is confident in his ability to navigate the complexities of Simba SC, a club with a vast and passionate following.

“It’s a huge institution with a lot of different facets to the club,” Davids acknowledged. “I’ve got the experience now of being at big clubs, at home and in a different country. That has really helped me in terms of settling and managing everything.”

WHAT HAS IMPRESSED FADLU DAVIDS AT SIMBA SC

He has been impressed by Simba’s professionalism and organisation, noting the club’s president’s support. However, he is under no illusions about the challenge ahead.

Young Africans have established a dominant position in the league, and Davids is aware that it will take time to build a team capable of ending their reign. “Young Africans are three years into their project and one year into the project for the coach. They’ve done really well,” Davids said.

“We’re four weeks into the project. We know in which direction we are moving as long as we stick to our objectives and what we’re trying to achieve.”

Davids’ vision for Simba SC extends beyond domestic success. He aspires to build a team that can compete and dominate on the African continent, echoing the club’s glorious past.

“To build not only success this season but sustainable success, and we have that short-term vision but the long-term vision to be able to build that we can again be dominant on the continent of Africa.”

As Fadlu Davids embarks on this ambitious project, South Africa and Tanzania football fans eagerly anticipate the unfolding rivalry between Simba SC and Young Africans, hoping for a resurgence of Simba’s former glory.

RELATED STORY: Fadlu Davids explains decision to recruit Wayne Sandilands at Simba SC