Morale boost for Simba ahead of AFL encounter
Simba players during a training session. The team will on Friday face Al Ahly of Egypt in the opening match of the African Football league. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The Simba-Al Ahly encounter has been scheduled to kickoff at 7pm at the national stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Dar es Salaam. Simba head coach Roberto Oliveira alias Robertinho has a reason to smile for having some key players back in the team ahead of the Africa Football League opening match against Egyptian giants Al Ahly on Friday.
The Simba-Al Ahly encounter has been scheduled to kickoff at 7pm at the national stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Simba’s six key players, who were serving their national football teams include goalkeeper Ali Salim, Mzamiru Yassin, Israel Mwenda, and Kibu Dennis, who featured for Tanzania’s Taifa Stars that played against Sudan in the FIFA international friendly in Saudi Arabia.
Also, on the list were Clatous Chama, who featured for Zambia’s national football team (Chipolopolo), and Henoc Inonga Baka, who played for the DR Congo national football team.
Speaking with The Citizen yesterday, Simba media manager Ahmed Ally, said that all the players have rejoined the team and are ready to face Al Ahly in the historic encounter.
Ally said that most of the players are in high morale ahead of the encounter and he believes they will do their best so as to make all Tanzanians happy.
“We are representing the nation in the match. I am happy that all the players have returned to the team without injury. This will make our coach and technical bench have the right choice of players ahead of Friday’s duel,” said Ally.
He said even their first-choice goalkeeper, Aishi Manula, has recovered fully to add another morale boost for the team.
“We are in ‘war’ and all ‘weapons’ are ready for it. We are ready for the battle,” he said.
For his part, Simba head coach Robertinho exuded confidence that his team will do their best in the encounter.
The Brazilian tactician said it is going to be a tough match, but, he added, he is proud of the commitment shown by his players, who are yet to lose a single match since the start of this season’s Mainland Premier League.
“In fact, the Msimbazi Street lads will be targeting victory in the encounter. We are facing a tough side, I am happy with the progress of the team in training and my players are ready to take on the African football giants,” said Robertinho.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian giants, Al Ahly are expected to arrive today ahead of the eagerly- awaited encounter.
