The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
3 April 2011
Once beaten twice shy. That is the frame of mind Mainland giants Simba will be in when they take on DR Congo’s TP Mazembe in a return leg match of the Africa Champions League at the National Stadium this afternoon.
TP Mazembe, the two-time Africa Champions League winners and 2010 FIFA Club World Cup finalists, flew into the city on Friday night for what promises to be an intriguing duel.
Simba were yesterday busy, perfecting their tactics for their biggest match in years under close supervision of head coach Patrick Phiri and former international Abdallah “King” Kibaden. The match starts at 3.30pm.
Phiri said yesterday that his players were in high spirits, looking forward to overturning a 3-1 defeat they suffered at the hands of TP Mazembe in a first leg match in Lubumbashi a fortnight ago.
“In football, we usually don’t predict the outcome of a match, but I am optimistic we’ll overcome them this time around. My players are physically, psychologically and tactically fit for the match,” the Zambian coach said confidently, adding:
“Personally, I’ve much respect for TP Mazembe, they are a good, but I don’t fear them. We’ll not be intimidated by big names in their squad, and hopefully, we’ll register the victory we need to sail through.”
The Msimbazi Reds need a win of at least two clear goals today to see off the Congo team and book a place in the next stage of the continent’s biggest club tournament.But the home team will be unfortunate not to have on board some of their key players today. They include their Kenyan import Hillary Echessa, who is sick.
Their Ugandan defender Joseph Owino, striker Abdulhalim Humud, strong stopper Amri Kiemba and play-maker Haruna Shamte will also miss today’s match due to injuries.But Phiri remained optimistic, saying he still have at his disposal other players who equally good enough to put TP Mazembe at bay today.
He asked Tanzanian soccer enthusiasts to turn up at the ultra-modern 60,000 seater venue in large numbers to cheer up his team today.
“In football, fans are the 12th man for the home team, we therefore appeal to our fans to turn up at the National Stadium in large numbers tomorrow to support us,’ he said.A Member of Parliament for Singida Urban Mohammed has promised to award Simba Sh50 million if the hit TP Mazembe today.
All The best Simba!
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Tanzania: It’s Do Or Die for Simba SC Today