CAFCC: Simba must stretch to the limit to bring glory -Masatu

Photo: Simba SC Tanzania/Facebook

Simba legend George Masatu has urged the players to put every effort into their game as they prepare to face RS Berkane in the return leg final of the CAF Confederation Cup at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Sunday.

Masatu, who was part of the Simba squad that reached the 1993 CAF Cup final and suffered defeat against Ivory Coast outfit Stella Abidjan, challenged the players to remain cautious and avoid the trap of being overconfident against the Moroccan side.

“After the 0-0 draw in Abidjan, we thought we had one hand on the trophy. Even the Stella players looked defeated in the first leg. But it was unexpected in the return leg when they scored early, things went downhill fast. It was a bitter lesson,” explained Masatu.

“It’s not over until it’s over. Simba must stretch to the limit to bring the glory that all Simba fans and the nation are dreaming of,” he stressed.

Masatu further reminded Simba players not to allow change of venue to distract their game. Simba were earlier scheduled to play Berkane at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium before the game was moved to Amaan Stadium.

“Of course, home advantage matters,” he acknowledged. “But given the reasons CAF has provided, it’s time to accept the decision and focus on preparing for victory. What matters now is ensuring the trophy remains on Tanzanian soil."

“I have great faith in this Simba squad. Coach Fadlu Davids and his technical bench are more than capable of cooking up a winning strategy. Whether the match is played in Dar, Dodoma or Zanzibar—Simba can still roar.”

He concluded: “This is a national mission. Simba are representing all of us. Let’s support them to finally bring home a continental crown that has eluded us since 1993.”

Simba will be aiming to overturn a 2-0 defeat suffered in the first leg final at Berkane Municipal Stadium. A 3-0 victory will guarantee Simba the trophy while a 3-1 win will allow Berkane to be crowned on the away goals rule.