Africa-Press – Tanzania. SIMBA have ruled out centre-back Joash Onyango and midfielder Sadio Kanoute ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup quarters match with Orlando Pirates at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam tomorrow.
The two teams meet in the first leg tie of the competition prior to the reverse leg game at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, South Africa, next Sunday.
Nicknamed ‘Amabhakabhaka,’ the Soweto giants are expected to land in the country today and will have their first and final training session at the match’s venue before facing their hosts in a tense match tomorrow.
Speaking in the city yesterday, Simba’s Media and Communications Manager, Ahmed Ally admitted the absence of Onyango and Kanoute saying their positions will be filled perfectly.
“Indeed, the duo will miss the game and this is a big blow to us but we have other quality players who fit in the set up.
“For instance, Pascal Wawa will be the right candidate to replace Onyango as he has vast experience in CAF Interclub games and for Kanoute, we have Jonas Mkude, Mzamiru Yassin and even Thaddeo Lwanga who can offer quality services for the benefit of the club,” he said.
Providing a thorough assessment of the team ahead of the game, Ally noted that atmosphere in the camp among players and technical bench is great and that they are all looking forward to stamp victory before the away match.
“It should be known that this is not the first time for us to play in the quarter-finals as such; if our journey ends here, it will be a big upset for the entire club that is why we surely need to qualify and make it into the last four,” he said.
He added that Simba players have pressure to do well in order to stand a chance of advancing further to realise the objectives of the club set at the beginning of the competition.
Moreover, he pointed out that Simba have a big advantage to sail through into the last four package as most of players who drove them into the quarters of CAF Champions League previously are the ones aiming to push them to the semis.
“With much experience that Simba players have, they are aware that in order to be fully assured of reaching in the semi-final, they should win with a big goal margin of not less than three goals,” he said.
He also pointed out that it is their hope to see the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) operating efficiently without leaving behind many unanswered questions after the game ends.
In another development, the Msimbazi Street Reds have declared that platinum and platinum plus tickets have been sold out while ordinary tickets are still being sold and they expect to sell many tickets today and tomorrow.
The two high class tickets were valued at 100,000/- and 150,000/- of which holders are treated in a special way as they travel from Hyatt Regency Hotel to the game venue in an escorted convoy and have access to VIP A while enjoying good meals.
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