Simba head coach Fadlu Davids has said they have received the draw for the preliminary stage of the CAF Champions League and are now making thorough preparations to ensure they qualify for the group stage of Africa’s biggest club competition.
The draw for the preliminary and first round matches of the CAF Champions League took place the day before yesterday in Dar es Salaam, where Simba were paired against Botswana’s Gaborone United in the preliminary stage.
The first leg will be played in Botswana, with the return leg to be played a week later in Dar es Salaam.
Furthermore, if Simba advance to the first round, they will face the winner between Zimbabwe’s Simba Bhora and Malawi’s Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Fadlu stated that Gaborone United are not an easy team, but he is pleased that his squad will play the first match away in Botswana and finish the second leg at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
“We know the Champions League is a bigger competition than the Confederation Cup we played in last season, where we started in the preliminary stage against a tough Al Ahly Tripoli side. This time we begin with Gaborone United.”
“We know it won’t be an easy match; I know they have hardworking and tough players, especially when playing at home.”
“But we believe in our abilities. This season we have built a stronger team that can compete in difficult conditions, and we also have experience from our participation in last season’s Confederation Cup.”
“Our team is much stronger now, and I can say, we are ready for this season’s Champions League.”
“We will make a thorough assessment before facing them. We already know Jwaneng Galaxy, Township Rollers, and even Gaborone United—they are all experienced teams in this competition.”
“We will fight to make sure we get through this round,” said Fadlu.
