Simba, Coastal face off today

DAR ES SALAAM: SIMBA Sports Club take on Coastal Union at KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam today, with both coaches highlighting it will be decided by who uses a good amount of space and chances to score.

The coaches of Simba and Coastal Union highlighted this during press conferences yesterday in Dar es Salaam.

In his pre-match comments, Simba’s Fadlu Davids noted the importance of controlling the game by pushing the opponents deep into their own half.

“We plan to play the dimensions of the pitch to our advantage, knowing Coastal Union’s strengths in transition. If they sit back, we can exploit the space behind them,” he stated.

This highlights Davids’ recognition of Coastal Union’s threat on the counter-attack and he urged his players to maintain sharp positioning during offensive phases to mitigate these risks.

“The key to our success lies in our attacking positioning. If we can keep Coastal Union contained and force them to defend at the edge of their box, they may make mistakes that we can capitalise on,” he said.

He added that reinforcing the necessity of precision and focus in front of goal. He expressed confidence that by unlocking their defence, his team could create goalscoring opportunities, which would force the opposition to adapt their strategy.

Anticipating various defensive setups from Coastal Union, Davids prepared his squad for multiple scenarios.

“Whether they come at us with a high press or sit back in a medium or deep block, we are ready. It’s our job to unlock their defence,” he explained.

Davids also addressed squad rotation issue, acknowledging the demanding fixture schedule with three matches in seven days.

“It’s crucial to maintain a balance between consistency and managing player fatigue,” he said, hinting at potential changes, but refusing to disclose his starting line-up until after the final training session. This approach reflects a strategic depth and adaptability as the team navigate a congested calendar.

While Simba remain unbeaten in their last four matches, Davids cautioned against complacency.

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“We respect Coastal Union and recognise their improvements since we last faced them in the Community Shield. Every win brings lessons and we must remain critical and demanding of ourselves,” he said, highlighting the continuous growth and development he seeks from his players.

Coastal Union Coach, Joseph Lazaro, highlighted the need for caution as his team face off against Simba today. Acknowledging the quality of Simba’s squad, he expressed awareness of the numerous players capable of influencing the match.

“I know how good Simba is and the number of players who can impact the game—at least three or four key players. While we have a few strong players, we only have one who can match their calibre. “Despite the odds, we are determined to aim for a positive result.

However, we must approach the match with caution. Simba have shown a strong goal-scoring spirit and has yet to concede this season. We will do our best to neutralise their threats and capitalise on any opportunities we create,” he said.