CAFCC Preview: Simba SC (TZA) vs Stellenbosch (RSA)
- Andrew Olsson
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
The CAF Confederation Cup semifinals kick off on Sunday with an enticing first leg clash between a well-established African club, Tanzania's Simba SC, and South African fast risers Stellenbosch. Both clubs overcame Egyptian opposition to reach this stage and now are looking to become the first sub-Saharan African club to win the competition since DR Congo's TP Mazembe in 2017.
Leg 1: April 20 in Zanzibar (14:00 GMT)
Leg 2: April 27 in Durban, South Africa (14:00 GMT)
Simba SC (TZA)
The Reds of Msimbazi continue to be a regular in the knockout stages of CAF club competition but a continental trophy has eluded them since winning the 1993 edition of one of the Confederation Cup's predecessors, the CAF Cup. Now is the time to break that trend for Simba who overcame Egypt's Al Masry in a penalty shootout victory in the quarterfinals.
Head Coach: Fadlu Davids
Beginning his coaching career at the same club he concluded his playing career with, Maritzburg United, the South African built up his experience mostly as an assistant in his native country and even spent time abroad with Russia's Lokomotiv Moscow. His time spent with experienced head coaches like Germans Ernst Middendorp and Josef Zinnbauer have prepared him well for his first major head coaching position and now Davids is a rising talent among African coaches.
Davids will now face a somewhat familiar foe from his native country and has an opportunity to emerge with a notable achievement early in his head coaching career. His Simba team place a focus on solid organization to set the stage for their foreign attacking stars to produce moments of magic.
Simba continues to count upon foreign imports to boost their attack and compete strongly in continental competitions. Elie Mpanzu is growing into a reliable attacker on the flank whose unpredictability on the dribble causes issues for defenders while Ivorian Jean Charles Ahoua is another player who can both create and finish goals at a high rate.
Ugandan striker Steven Mukwala is a pure poacher but can be quite inconsistent and will battle with Cameroonian Leonel Ateba to get the nod up top alongside Ahoua. The lone Tanzanian regular in the attack, Denis Kibu, offers plenty of pace on either wing to stretch defenses.
The defense is a consistent force for Simba and is anchored by experienced fullbacks Shomari Kapombe and Mohamed Hussein. Both players have been reliable options for over seven seasons with Kapombe being a proficient crosser of the ball while Hussein is a relentless defender. Tanzanian national team member Yusuph Kagoma and Congolese player Fabrice Ngoma are strong players who will fortify the center of the midfield.
Stellenbosch (RSA)
A young club that came into existence a little over eight years ago, the Western Cape-based side rapidly moved up the South African football pyramid and is now firmly among the top clubs in the nation. After winning their first trophy at the end of 2023 in the Carling Knockout Cup, Stellies achieved a third place finish in the 2023-24 season and are shining on their debut in continental competition.
Success in CAF club competitions is an important focus of the club and their stunning upset of defending champions Zamalek has now thrust Stellenbosch into the spotlight they have craved since gaining promotion to South Africa's Betway Premiership in 2019.
Head Coach : Steve Barker
The nephew of late AFCON-winning coach Clive, Steve Barker has been at Stellenbosch since almost the beginning of their existence. The tactician has built close ties to Stellies as he helped them rise up to the top flight Betway Premiership, making this season's campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup a growing source of pride for Barker who previously coached University of Pretoria (Tuks FC) and AmaZulu.
Barker and his teams have risen to compete with South Africa's top clubs through a well organized defense and the successful use of young players. Notable players who have boosted their careers under Barker's watch at Stellenbosch include current Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners, Ashley du Preez (now at Kaizer Chiefs) and Orlando Pirates right back Deano van Rooyen among many others.
Zamalek could not gain an inch of space against the Stellenbosch defense which is experienced and tenacious. Left back Fawaaz Basadien and Ivorian central defender Olivier Touré are the players to watch. Nigerian right back Enyinnaya Godswill has been a good signing from Rivers United in his native country while goalkeeper Sage Stephens is a valuable leader, another player who has revived his career with Stellies.
The midfield and attack is less talented and more hardworking. Team leader Devin Titus, like Basadien, has earned his way into the Bafana Bafana picture and the winger will need to step up his form after being quiet in recent matches.
Chumani Butsaka, Lesiba Nku and Sanele Barns are all capable and pacey attackers who operate mainly on the flanks but the reality is that Stellies lack the attacking star power seen in Africa's more famous clubs like Simba. This is a team that will win by keeping the score close and capitalizing on the opportunities that arrive.