Simba v Pirates: Home ground advantage versus tactical maturity

The last eight of the CAF Confederation Cup have served interesting matches. These are intriguing games of contrasting approaches and tactical geniuses. Teams technical standards are high, befitting the quarterfinal stage of the competition.

FARPost Technical Study Group (TSG) will dissect the Simba SC v Orlando Pirates clash in Dar Es Salaam, and look at factors that will play out, as either Simba or Pirates seek to get competitive advantage over the other.

1. Benjamin Mkapa is a fortress

In football, home ground advantage plays a massive role. As such, Simba has used this common denominator to full use. They are partisan supporters and humid conditions, have all propelled Simba to this point.

Last year in the CAF Champions League, the Tanzanian champions butchered Al Ahly and Kaizer Chiefs. Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium was instrumental in presenting a difficult setting for Ahly and Chiefs, as both succumbed to the buoyant fans and atrocious weather conditions.

2. Simba’s style of play

Simba have made few changes to their playing artillery. Troublesome and enigmatic Luis Miquissone have joined Ahly in Egypt. Clatous Chama returned from a torrid spell at RS Berkane, and is cup-tied for this game.

However, the marauding and tenacious attacking mentally of Simba remains. A well calculated 1-4-4-2 / 1-4-3-3 offensive style is supplemented by a talented bunch of individuals, namely Chrispin Mugalu, Larry Bwalya and Bernard Morrison.

3. Pirates CAF experience

The ‘Buccaneers’ are the serial contenders in the African club competition. Under their belt is the honour of being 1995 Champions league champions and runner-up in the same cup in the 2013 edition.

Besides being quarterfinalist in 2021, Pirates have also lost in the final of the Confederation Cup in 2015. As winners of a tricky group littered with credible opposition from North Africa, this Pirates squad have the talent and experience to hold their own against any formidable adversary.

4. Pirates tactical stability

Playing in these club competitions help refine teams overall strategy. In the local league, Pirates have stuttered unnecessarily against weaker opposition. Draws and uncharacteristic displays have been synonymous with ‘Bucs’.

Unbelievably, their tactical schemes in CAF games have been different. The Pirates technical team have played a balanced attacking style that is defined by typical moments. Often a flexible 1-3-5-2 approach has been augmented by 1-4-3-3 system depending on the opponent, occasion and the scoreboard.

5. Home advantage v Tactics

Simba have performed well at home. Both Asec Mimosa and USGN we beaten comfortably in the group stages. A midfield marshalled by Jonas Mkude and led ably by Mugalu, have utilized their home ground to their full advantage.

Pirates on the other hand have matured brilliantly on the road. A workmanlike tactical intervention was applied to beat Smouha SC (2-0) away from home. This tactical blueprint must be adopted in Tanzania, if Pirates harbours any hopes of progressing into the last four.