Tanzanian side Simba S.C their pedigree on the continent gives them an edge over Nigerian opponents Plateau United who they take on in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League this weekend.
Twenty-one time Tanzanian champions visit Plateau United for the first leg of their Champions League preliminary round this weekend before hosting the Nigerians in the return leg at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium between December 4-6, 2020.
Plateau United are competing in Africa’s premier inter-club competition for just the second time in their history and while they made it to the group stage on their 2018 debut, that was as far as it got for Abdu Maikaba’s side.
Simba, on the other hand are seasoned campaigners with nine previous appearances under their belt, including a thrilling run to the quarterfinals two seasons ago.
That experience club board member Crescentius Magori believes, could see Sven Vandenbroeck’s navigate past their relatively inexperienced but powerful Nigerian foes.
“It is a tough match because Nigeria is a continental football powerhouse, but given Simba’s pedigree, we will battle to knock them out, ” Magori said.
“1 believe we have a good squad that has what it takes to triumph. We will qualify for the next round.”
With the 2020-21 Nigeria Professional Football League yet to begin, Plateau United have been preparing for their continental campaign in the Governor Ikpeazu Pre-Season Tournament where they reached the semifinals, losing to fellow Champions League team Enyimba.
Simba, meanwhile, prepped for the trip to Nigeria with a 7-0 walloping of Coastal Union in the Tanzanian Premier League.
The Tanzanian side has announced a 24-man squad that will travel to Nigeria on Tuesday for the battle against Plateau United.
According to information on the club’s Twitter page, the team will depart through Kilimanjaro International Airport for their trip to Nigeria via Ethiopia.
“The journey will begin at 5:45 pm and arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where the squad will rest for the night and begin the final leg of their trip the next day to Abuja, Nigeria in the morning,” Simba said.
