By Flora Mkoloma
Simba SC is ramping up preparations as they gear up to face Moroccan side RS Berkane in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final, set for May 17 in Casablanca, Morocco.
The Tanzanian giants arrived in Morocco earlier this week and held their first training session yesterday. The team is expected to wrap up final preparations today, sharpening tactics and fitness ahead of Saturday’s showdown.
Speaking ahead of the match, Simba’s Head of Information and Communication, Ahmed Ally, emphasized the magnitude of the task ahead and called on everyone associated with the club to unite and give their all.
"This is going to be a tough match. It will require maximum effort from everyone — players, staff, and fans alike," said Ally. "Every Simba supporter, wherever they are, should play their part to ensure we secure an away win and return home ready to finish the job."
Ally added passionately: “Let’s go to battle. Let’s fight for this title. We want to be champions. We are not prepared to see this trophy slip away again. The cup is on the pitch, and Simba will not let it leave with the opponents. Not this time.”
He continued: “We want to be the last ones to wear the medals — because in these tournaments, the runners-up are always awarded first. That’s not our goal. We want to be crowned champions.”
Meanwhile, Kisugu Kisugu, a devoted Simba fan currently in Morocco, expressed his confidence in the team’s chances.
“I believe in this squad. The players are motivated and full of energy. This is our year to surprise Africa and bring the title home,” he said.
“With the level of preparation and spirit I’ve seen, Simba’s mission to conquer Africa is within reach. What matters now is prayer — asking God to give them health and strength to carry out their responsibilities on match day.”
After the first-leg encounter in Casablanca, Simba will return to Tanzania to host the decisive second leg on May 25 — a match that will determine this year’s CAF Confederation Cup champion.