Fadlu’s Simba Close In On Top Spot After CAFCC Setback

Fadlu Davids’ Simba SC bounced back from their CAF Confederations Cup slump with a crucial 1-0 win over Singida Black Stars in the Tanzanian Premier League on Wednesday, to narrow the gap on log leaders Young Africans.

The Reds of Msimbazi claimed the crucial win thanks to Steven Mukwala’s first-half strike that boosted the club’s hopes of clinching its first league title in three years, with their last championship dating back to the 2020/21 campaign, as Yanga won the last three on the trot.

Simba moved one point behind Young Africans, having accumulated 72 points from 27 league outings, while the defending champions at the summit of the table picked up 73 points with three games to go in the Tanzanian topflight.

The title race is promising to go down to the wire with the two Tanzanian giants set to lock horns in the highly anticipated Kariakoo derby on 15 June, in what could be a title decider after the initial fixture was abandoned in March due to Simba citing unfair treatment from their nemesis.

Now, with the back end of the 2024/25 season fast approaching, the recent victory will serve as a morale boost for Davids and his charges following a disappointing 3-1 aggregate defeat to RS Berkane of Morocco in the CAF Confederations Cup final on Sunday.

The South African mentor is in contention for a domestic double in the form of the Tanzanian Premier League and the CRDB Bank Federation Cup, where they will face Singida Black Stars once again in the semi-final of the competition on Saturday.

It remains to be seen whether the former Orlando Pirates co-coach, who is highly sought after on the continent following his exploits with Simba, can guide the 22-time Tanzanian champions to a perfect ending to the season.