Simba SC can handle RS Berkane in CAF Confederation Cup final – Malone

Photo Credit - Simba SC Tanzania.

“When we are on the pitch, we know what to do because we are great players who know how to handle a football game,” says Che Fondoh Malone.

The Simba SC defender is brimming with confidence ahead of Saturday's CAF Confederation Cup final first leg against Moroccan side RS Berkane at Stade Municipal de Berkane.

The Msimbazi Reds reached the showpiece after edging South Africa's Stellenbosch 1-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals, and Malone believes they have what it takes to beat Berkane both home and away and lift the trophy for the first time in the club's history.

Speaking to Pan-Africa Football, Malone discussed Simba's mentality and approach: “It is not only the defensive line that defends, it is the whole team. So I believe that the defence always starts from the attack. If we defend as a group, as a team, I believe we will not concede any goals in Morocco."

“Most of us have not been to the final, have not played in the final, that is very true. We have reached the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League and the Confederation Cup many times, and played against bigger clubs. I am not saying Berkane is a small club, but we played against Al Ahly, which is a great club in Africa. I believe we didn’t concede as many goals as the other teams had conceded against them.

“I believe if we play according to the plans of our coach, and the experience that some of us have, we will be victorious because the football game is being played in rectangular areas. So when we are on the pitch, we know what to do because we are great players who know how to handle a football game as necessary.”

The second leg of the final is slated for May 25 in Tanzania.