Simba SC head coach Fadlu Davids has warned his players against complacency as they prepare to face Stellenbosch in the decisive second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup semi-final clash.
Despite securing a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg, Davids insists his side must treat Sunday’s encounter as a fresh battle rather than rely on their slender advantage.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, the Tanzanian club’s manager made it clear that the job is far from complete.
“We have laid the foundations, but the house is not yet built,” Davids said, urging his squad to maintain full focus. “We approach the second leg with the mentality that it is a completely new match. We have no advantage; it is a 50-50 contest.”
Simba SC’s disciplined performance in the first meeting provided a vital lead, but Davids emphasized that his team must remain aggressive if they are to secure a spot in the final.
Rejecting any notion of sitting back to protect their advantage, the South African coach outlined an ambitious and attacking strategy for the return leg.
“Our goal is simple: to score early and take control of the game,” he explained. “We will not defend passively, we will not play with fear, and we certainly will not settle for a draw. We intend to attack from the first whistle.”
Davids also acknowledged the strengths and vulnerabilities of their South African opponents, describing Stellenbosch as a “young and very fast” team that struggles when put under sustained pressure.
“They crack under pressure, and that’s exactly what we plan to exploit. We will not give them the time to settle or organize; we must impose our game on them immediately,” he added.
The critical second leg between Stellenbosch and Simba SC is scheduled for Sunday, 27 April 2025, with kick-off set for 1 p.m. GMT. The winner of the tie will advance to the CAF Confederation Cup final, bringing them one step closer to continental glory.
While Simba SC carry the momentum of a first-leg win, Davids’s approach underlines the unpredictability of knockout football. His insistence on a proactive mindset reflects an awareness of how quickly fortunes can shift in high-stakes matches.
Sunday’s clash promises to be a test not only of skill and tactics but also of mental resilience. Simba SC, determined to make history, know they must deliver a complete performance if they are to achieve their ambitions.
As anticipation builds, Davids’s rallying cry leaves no doubt about Simba SC’s intentions: a fearless and attacking display, with nothing left to chance.
