Fadlu ready to face Yanga SC in Community Shield encounter

Dar es Salaam. Simba Sports Club head coach Fadluraghman “Fadlu” Davids, is optimistic his players will be in top form before they face their traditional rivals, Young Africans (Yanga), in the semifinal of the Community Shield match.

Simba will face Yanga this Thursday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium starting at 2pm in the second semifinal of the Community Shield encounter.

The first semifinal will see Coastal Union face Azam FC at the New Amaan Sports Complex in Zanzibar on the same day at 4 pm.

“I am happy to win 2-0 over APR in the special friendly match to mark our 88th anniversary at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. My players played well, but there is still work to be done to attain the level I want. We have started preparations a few weeks ago, and I believe the remaining time before we face Yanga and the start of the league will be sufficient for us to reach that level,” said Fadlu.

Read: Why Yanga-Simba match is more than a derby

He added that his squad comprises the best players with the determination to be the best in the league. “I am happy with the players forming the team. They are committed to the vision of taking the team to the next level of development. I am sure we will achieve it,” he said.

Simba’s captain, Mohammed “Tshabalala” Hussein, said their target this season is to restore the team's status by winning all titles.

Tshabalala noted that they did not perform well in the past three seasons, but the leadership's move to strengthen the squad will yield positive results.

“All players know the task ahead and what our fans and members expect from us. We have the task of defending the Community Shield, winning the Tanzania Mainland Premier League, the CRDB Federation Cup, and performing well in the CAF Confederation Cup,” said Tshabalala.

He called for support from all fans and members ahead of the new season, scheduled to start on August 16.

Simba has so far recruited 30 players for the new season. The players are:

Goalkeepers: Ally Salim, Ayoub Lakred, Hussein Abel, Mussa Camara, and Aishi Manula.

Defenders: Hussein Kazi, Kelvin Kijili, Che Malone Fondoh, Shomari Kapombe, Abdulrazack Hamza, Valentin Nouma, captain Mohammed “Tshabalala” Hussein, David Kameta, and Chamou Karaboue.

Midfielders: Mzamiru Yassin, Awesu Awesu, Saleh Karabaka, Deborah Fernandez, Edwin Balua, Augustine Okejepha, Ladack Chasambi, Joshua Mutale, Fabrice Ngoma, Omary Omary, Yusuf Kagoma, and Jean Ahoua.

Strikers: Freddy Michael, Valentino Mashaka, Steven Mukwala, and Kibu Denis.