Simba coach Davids: 'Berkane will feel our strength' in Confederation Cup final

Simba SC head coach Fadlu Davids says his team is determined to overturn their 2-0 deficit when they host RS Berkane in the second leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final in Zanzibar on Sunday.

Speaking to the press ahead of the clash at Amaan Stadium, the South African coach expressed full confidence in his players, despite a challenging first leg in Morocco.

“The first leg was a tough lesson, but it's a great opportunity for our young players to mature,” said Davids.

“We've learned a lot and are ready to respond in the second leg.”

Simba’s first-leg performance was marked by a shaky opening, with Berkane scoring twice in the first 14 minutes. However, Davids highlighted his team’s reaction after the early setback as a sign of their resilience.

“Yes, we entered the match confused in the first 20 minutes, and that's normal for a young team playing in its first final,” he admitted.

“But we came back well and created chances.”

The Tanzanian side is playing its first CAF Confederation Cup final and will be banking on home support in Zanzibar to inspire a historic comeback.

“It's true that we're not playing in Dar es Salaam, but we know that our fans will be behind us,” Davids said. “We will fight and play to the best of our ability, and tomorrow, RS Berkane will feel Simba's strength.”

Simba’s campaign has been defined by grit and dramatic comebacks, and Davids believes the team’s experience throughout the tournament has prepared them for moments like this.

“Our players are motivated. We’ve been through tough moments before, and they’ve come through,” he said.

Sunday’s match presents a chance for Simba to not only lift their first Confederation Cup title but also to make history as the first Tanzanian club to do so.

With a two-goal deficit to overcome, Davids has called on his team to be bold from the first whistle.

“This is a final. We have nothing to lose. We will give everything on the pitch.”

Kick-off is scheduled for 13:00 GMT (16:00 local time), and the match will be broadcast live across multiple CAF partner networks.