Roberto Oliviera: Former Vipers coach welcomes Simba’s CAF CL draw

The upcoming CAF interclub competitions, commencing in November, will see Tanzanian powerhouse Simba SC participate in their thirteenth CAF Champions League campaign.

In the recent draw held in Cairo, Egypt, Simba SC was placed in Group B alongside ASEC Mimosas from Ivory Coast, Jwaneng Galaxy from Botswana, and Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca.

Head Coach Robertinho Oliviera expressed his enthusiasm for the draw, seeing it as a prime opportunity for his team to face formidable opponents in emotionally charged matches.

“It’s a favorable group; the technical team is pleased,” Robertinho noted before adding.

“However, the Champions League is no walk in the park. This presents a valuable opportunity for Simba to compete against strong rivals, serving as motivation.”

“I relish high-stakes matches that stir fans’ emotions. The players are in a positive mindset, without a doubt.”

Simba faced challenges at the start of the previous CAF Champions League season, enduring losses to Horoya and Raja Casablanca.

However, they rebounded with consecutive victories against Vipers, culminating in a remarkable 7-0 triumph over Horoya, their largest margin of victory in the group stage.

Their quarter-final encounter featured Wydad Casablanca, with Roberto Oliviera’s team displaying a spirited performance, winning 1-0 in Dar before facing a 1-0 defeat in Casablanca and ultimately losing 4-3 in a post-match penalty shootout.

Now that Wydad Casablanca is in the same group as Simba once again, it remains to be seen if the desire for redemption will motivate Simba’s players.

In Group D, Khalid Aucho and Gift Fred’s Young Africans (Yanga) will contend with Egyptian giants Al Ahly, Algeria’s CF Belouizdad, and Ghana’s Medeama FC.