Simba coach Fadlu Davids expressed satisfaction with his team’s defensive performance in their 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final.

Simba’s first-half goal was enough to separate these two rivals in the Amaan Stadium in the city of Zanzibar on Sunday.

Despite the Tanzanian giant winning on Sunday, the South African coach Davids was critical of his team’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, feeling that they should have extended their lead beyond a single goal.

“I think objectives have been done in terms of keeping the clean sheet,” Davids said after the match. 

“Simba is a big club, and we cannot be happy with the scoreline [1-0] like this. We had moments to make it 2-0, 3-0, and even to make it 4-0.”

Davids emphasized that his team needs to improve their performance, particularly in front of the goal. “Players have to realize that the stage we are in; we are in the semi-final stage, and the semi-final stage, you don’t get big opportunities like we had this season in this match,” he said.

The former Orlando Pirates co-coach also acknowledged that his team’s performance was not good enough, given the quality of the players. “So, clearly, we have to improve this performance because it was not good enough in terms of what the players can really do,” Davids added.

Despite the concerns, Davids is confident that his team will be ready for the return leg. “But believe me, my players will be ready for the return leg once we get back to South Africa,” he said.

The return leg is set to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, where Simba will look to build on their slender lead and secure a spot in the final. Davids’ comments suggest that his team will need to be more clinical in their approach and capitalize on scoring opportunities to progress.

As Simba prepares for the return leg, Davids will work on fine-tuning his team’s performance, focusing on converting chances into goals and maintaining their defensive solidity.

With the coach’s words ringing in their ears, the players will be eager to deliver a stronger showing and make their mark in the competition.

Davids’ team will need to rise to the challenge and put on a strong performance to secure their spot in the next stage of the competition.