Fadlu Makes Bold Title Claim After Simba Slip-Up
Fadlu Davids has made a bold Tanzanian Premier League title claim after his side dropped important points in their 2-2 draw against last season’s runners-up Azam FC at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in their last league outing.
The Reds of Msimbazi came from a goal down to take a 2-1 lead thanks to Elie Mpanzu’s brace after conceding less than 10 minutes from the first whistle. However, the visitors scored a late equalizer in the 90th minute to halt Simba through Zidane Sereri.
Davids lamented the schoolboy defending his charges displayed in conceding both goals that saw them settle for a share of the spoils. The stalemate allowed defending champions Young Africans to pull four points clear over second-placed Simba. Yanga has 55 points at the summit of the standings.
“It was very disappointing after a good performance. Very disappointing of course, [we were the] first to concede the first goal in the first few minutes and then of course the mistake right at the end,” he said.
“So [we made] two crucial mistakes right at the beginning of the match and right at the end of the match that cost us the three points.”
As the title race heats up, the Tanzanian top-flight has another leader in a space of a few weeks after Simba had reclaimed the top spot two weeks ago – but the South African mentor insists it makes no difference, making a bullish claim that they are determined to win all their remaining matches.
“We have to push, the fans have to get behind us, like I said it’s 30 points to play for. One point ahead, one point behind, two points ahead, doesn’t really make a big difference. But you have to win every match – it’s clear, we win every match for the rest of the season, we’re champions,” Davids asserted.
“So, that has to be our target and that has to be our mindset. Simba fans, let’s not give up, let’s keep pushing and the championship is going to go down to the wire, every match we have to fight to win and if we win every match, we are champions.”
Ahead of a visit to Coastal Union in their next encounter on Saturday, the ex-Orlando Pirates co-coach has urged his troops to focus on the clash before thinking about the Kariakoo derby against fierce rivals Yanga, set to take place on 8 March 2025.
“Every match is the most important match, we know Coastal Union, we dropped points [against them] in the first round from 2-0 up. So, we have to be ready, I’ve watched them already now of course, they played Azam recently in their last game,” added the 43-year-old tactician.
“So, I’ve already had a glimpse of how they play, a very tough match and the next match is always the most important match and that three points at hand before you can even think of the derby is very important.
“Let us fight with everything in our power to get the three points [in our next match] and then we take it game by game.”
