With a coveted spot in the CAF Confederation Cup final on the line, Simba SC coach Fadlu Davids has analysed Stellenbosch FC, their semi-final opponents, revealing attributes that make the SA side a formidable test.
Davids is anticipating a tense clash when Simba SC host Stellenbosch FC in the CAF Confederations Cup semi-final first leg on Sunday.
The 43-year-old Davids has stated that Stellenbosch FC, coached by Steve Barker, are the best side that Simba SC have come up against in the Confed Cup this campaign.
After helping Simba SC reach the semi-finals of the CRDB Bank Federation Cup most recently, Davids admitted Stellies are a notch higher.
WHAT SA COACH FADLU DAVIDS SAID ABOUT STELLENBOSCH
“Already, of course, we know Stellenbosch well. We’ve played against them many times, as a technical team,” said Davids. “We know how good a side they are and give them huge respect. They are probably the best team we’ve played so far in CAF.
“Speed, fitness, intensity, they will match us. We require a very, very good performance to get a good result in the first-leg.”
Meanwhile, Fadlu Davids’ side has had the match with Stellies moved to another venue. Wekundu Wa Msimbazi usually host their matches at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, their fiery Dar es Salaam fortress.
However, it has emerged that the stadium is temporarily closed for maintenance work. As a result, their game against the Cape Town-based side has been moved to the 15,000-seater Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Simba will still hope to use home advantage over Stellies before a trip to Cape Town for the reverse fixture. The return leg will be hosted at the Cape Town Stadium on Sunday, 27 April.
While Simba SC has long featured in continental competitions, Barker and his men are in their maiden. They are aiming to write a new piece of history by making it all the way to the final.
In addition, the ambitious SA coach Davids hopes to get some respite in this competition as they have been second to Young Africans at local level. Davids will be aiming to cap his first season at Simba SC, with an appearance in the CAF Confederations Cup final.
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