Africa-Press – Tanzania. SIMBA’S Head Coach Didier Gomes has assured fans of his squad’s match fitness ahead of their CAF Champions League quarter final match against Kaizer Chiefs on Friday.
The French tactician said in Dar es Salaam before the team left to South Africa early yesterday that the postponement of the Kariakoo Derby against their traditional rivals, Young Africans, has not affected much the team’s fitness.
“We are well drilled, were ready to face any team and play the usual good match game. We are confident to maintain the form when we play away. Missing the derby is not a big problem for us but we are said to see it postponed.”
Moreover Gomes noted that they hold a crucial advantage over Chiefs going to the quarters due to the fact that they play their first leg game away. “It’s an advantage for us,” said the coach.
He added that at this stage of the tournament all the teams are strong and they respect Chiefs. The tactician, however, admitted that the Derby could have given them good drill ahead of their clash with Kaizer Chiefs.
With that derby, the French tactician, could have been able to identify the strength and weaknesses of his squad and see how and where to improve it.
Fitness fear in Simba squad comes from the fact the team has not played any competitive game since May 1st when they played their last match against Kagera Sugar in the Azam Sports Federation Cup (ASFC) at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Prior to this encounter, Simba bagged the best fivegame run in April by defeating Mtibwa Sugar 5-0; Mwadui 1-0; Kagera 2-0; Gwambina 1-0; and Dodoma Jiji 3-1.
They have not lost any of their five previous Premier League games. Simba’s opponents Kaizer Chief have played three games in 14 days, first against Moroka Swallows this Wednesday. Kaizer Chief drew 2-2 with Bloem Celtic and lost 2-1 to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila. Simba arrived in Johannesburg early yesterday ready for Kaizer Chief mission.
24 players are involved in the mission against hosts Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday at First National Bank (FNB) Stadium in Johannesburg and the return leg will be in Dar es Salaam a week later on May 22nd at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam. Through their official website Simba reviewed the 24 men who will battle in Johannesburg.
The squad consists three goalkeepers; Aishi Manula, Beno Kakolanya and Ally Salim; the defenders are Shomari Kapombe, Joash Onyango, Pascal Wawa, Ibrahim Ame, Erasto Nyoni, Gadiel Michael, Mohamed Hussein, Kennedy Juma and David Kameta.
The midfielders section has Jonas Mkude, Larry Bwalya, Mzamiru Yassin, Luis Miquissone, Hassan Dilunga, Clatous Chama, Francis Kahata and Taddeo Lwanga.
The strikers include Medie Kagere, John Bocco, Ibrahim Ajib and Chris Mugalu. Through their website, Simba stated that all the players who traveled have been proven to be in a good health and well prepared to ensure they successfully cross this important stage.
