SIMBA SC head coach Fadlu Davids has stressed the importance of rigorous preparations as the team resumes training next week ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal first leg against Al Masry on April 2 at New Suez Stadium in Egypt.

Davids (pictured) anticipates a significantly tougher challenge compared to their previous victory over Al Ahly in the qualification rounds (3-1 aggregate) and their dominant performances in the group stage.

He noted that many of his players are new to this advanced stage of the competition, making mental strength and tactical discipline crucial in countering Al Masry in Suez.

"Al Masry is undeniably a top-tier team, surpassing the level of our previous opponents. They compete in the highly competitive Egyptian league and are currently positioned in the top four," Davids said.

"They will present us with significant challenges, both in and out of possession. Scoring away goals is crucial in this competition, and we must prioritize creating scoring opportunities."

Simba topped Group A in the CAF Confederation Cup with 13 points, recording four wins, one draw, and one loss. They finished ahead of CS Constantine (12 points), Bravos Do Maquis (7 points), and CS Sfaxien (3 points).

Reflecting on the team's journey so far, Davids expressed pride in his players:

"I'm incredibly proud of the squad. We've achieved our objectives, perhaps even exceeded expectations, considering the strength of our opponents. Facing such tough teams has helped us grow tremendously.

"The experience gained from these continental matches has been invaluable. Finishing top of our group prepared us for moments like this, teaching us the mentality of top teams and how they operate.”

Before traveling to Egypt for their first-leg clash with Al Masry, Simba will first take on Bigman of Tanga in a Federation Cup round of 16 match on March 27 at KMC Complex.

This quarterfinal holds historical significance for Simba, as they were eliminated by Al Masry in the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup first round on away goals after a 2-2 aggregate score. 

However, this season presents a fresh opportunity for the Tanzanian giants to make history by advancing to the semifinals for the first time.

Al Masry currently sit fourth in the Egyptian Premier League with 31 points, having secured eight wins, seven draws, and three losses. They have scored 19 goals and conceded 11, resulting in a goal difference of +8.

In the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, Al Masry accumulated nine points from two wins, three losses, and one draw.