Latest news with #FadluDavids
TimesLIVE
26-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
RS Berkane win Confed Cup as Fadlu Davids' Simba fall just short
Morocco's Renaissance Berkane won the Caf Confederation Cup on Sunday, holding on for a 1-1 draw against 10-man Simba of Tanzania away in the second leg of the final for a 3-1 aggregate victory. A two-goal advantage from last week's home first leg provided the foundation for a third success in the Confederation Cup in the last six years for the club from the northeast of Morocco. But they endured a difficult afternoon at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar as Simba, coached by South African Fadlu Davids, went ahead in the 15th minute through Joshua Mutale and then missed a gilt-edged chance in front of goal minutes later. Simba had midfielder Yusuph Kagoma sent off five minutes into the second half for a second cautionable offence and two more members of their technical staff were sent to the stands in a tempestuous encounter. Faouzi Lekjaa must be a Proud man the former RS Berkane President 2009 -2019 when he relinquished his role to Hakim Ben Abdellah after a decade-long tenure as President. Under the RFMF President RS Berkane grew in status both on and off the pitch. RS Berkane regained its spot… — Collins Okinyo (@bedjosessien) May 25, 2025 Despite the one-man disadvantage, Simba had the ball in the Berkane net again in the 73rd minute after Steven Mukwala glanced home Jean Charles Aboua's free kick but the goal was ruled offside after a lengthy VAR check. Berkane then made sure of success when substitute Soumaila Sidibe snatched an equaliser from a tight angle at the start of nine minutes of stoppage time. It crowned a dream season for Berkane, who won a first Moroccan league title earlier in the season. Their third Confederation Cup success equals the record for the most successes in the competition, held by Tunisia's CS Sfaxien.
CAF
24-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Simba coach Davids: 'Berkane will feel our strength' in Confederation Cup final
Published: Saturday, 24 May 2025 Simba SC head coach Fadlu Davids says his team is determined to overturn their 2-0 deficit when they host RS Berkane in the second leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final in Zanzibar on Sunday. Speaking to the press ahead of the clash at Amaan Stadium, the South African coach expressed full confidence in his players, despite a challenging first leg in Morocco. 'The first leg was a tough lesson, but it's a great opportunity for our young players to mature,' said Davids. 'We've learned a lot and are ready to respond in the second leg.' Simba's first-leg performance was marked by a shaky opening, with Berkane scoring twice in the first 14 minutes. However, Davids highlighted his team's reaction after the early setback as a sign of their resilience. 'Yes, we entered the match confused in the first 20 minutes, and that's normal for a young team playing in its first final,' he admitted. 'But we came back well and created chances.' The Tanzanian side is playing its first CAF Confederation Cup final and will be banking on home support in Zanzibar to inspire a historic comeback. 'It's true that we're not playing in Dar es Salaam, but we know that our fans will be behind us,' Davids said. 'We will fight and play to the best of our ability, and tomorrow, RS Berkane will feel Simba's strength.' Simba's campaign has been defined by grit and dramatic comebacks, and Davids believes the team's experience throughout the tournament has prepared them for moments like this. 'Our players are motivated. We've been through tough moments before, and they've come through,' he said. Sunday's match presents a chance for Simba to not only lift their first Confederation Cup title but also to make history as the first Tanzanian club to do so. With a two-goal deficit to overcome, Davids has called on his team to be bold from the first whistle. 'This is a final. We have nothing to lose. We will give everything on the pitch.' Kick-off is scheduled for 13:00 GMT (16:00 local time), and the match will be broadcast live across multiple CAF partner networks.
The Herald
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Stakes high in clash between Sundowns and Pyramids
They also focus on the Confederation Cup final where Simba FC of Tanzania, coached by South African Fadlu Davids, will be out to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg. Another area of discussion is the intriguing battles going into the final round of the season as it has not been decided who will finish third between Stellenbosch and Sekhukhune United. The other interesting battle is who is going to make it to the top eight between AmaZulu, Polokwane City, Chippa United, Kaizer Chiefs, Marumo Gallants, Richards Bay and Magesi FC. At the bottom of the log, it will be decided on Saturday who will be dropped to the relegation play-offs between Cape Town City, SuperSport United and Golden Arrows.
IOL News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
The Ghost of Berkane returns to haunt Fadlu Davids in CAF Confederation Cup final ?
South African born coach Fadlu Davids now coaching Tanzanian giants Simba SC in the CAF Confederation Cup Image: BACKPAGEPIX Fadlu Davids is staring down the barrel of another CAF Confederation Cup heartbreak — and, once again, it's RS Berkane threatening to write the same tragic script. Now in charge of Tanzanian giants Simba SC, the South African coach watched his side slump to a 2-0 first leg defeat against the Moroccan outfit on Saturday night — a result that draws uncomfortable parallels with his last dance at this stage of the competition. In 2022, Davids stood on the verge of continental glory as co-coach of Orlando Pirates, only to suffer a gut-wrenching loss to the same opponents on penalties in Uyo, Nigeria. Two years on, it's déjà vu for the 43-year-old tactician. This time, the pain came early. Simba were stunned in the opening quarter of an hour as Berkane flew out the blocks in the first leg final at the Berkane Municipal Stadium. A whipped corner from Hamza El Moussaoui in the eighth minute was met by Mamadou Camara, who powered a header home to give the hosts the perfect start. Six minutes later, it got worse as Oussama Lamlaoui doubled the lead, finishing off a slick move initiated by Imad Riahi, leaving Simba reeling and Davids with a mountain to climb in the second leg. 'I think we were prepared tactically for the match, especially the first 20 minutes,' Davids told the media post-match. 'Berkane at home scores a lot of goals in the first 20 minutes with the pressure, so we were tactically prepared, but not emotionally prepared, my players were a little bit overwhelmed by the occasion, by the pressure.' Despite the early collapse, the former Maritzburg United boss isn't throwing in the towel just yet. With the return leg scheduled for May 25 at home in Dar es Salaam, Davids believes all is not lost. 'The final is played over two legs and we have a chance to get back to the drawing board and plan better,' he said. 'We conceded two early goals which put us on a back footing, but I am optimistic we can still perform better in the return leg.' Berkane, champions in 2020 and 2022, are now within touching distance of a third CAF Confederation Cup title in five years, and they've shown they know exactly how to manage big occasions. For Simba, the mission is clear: rewrite the narrative of their only previous final appearance in this competition — a runners-up finish way back in 1993 — and finally get their hands on the trophy. Davids, whose coaching career has had its share of ups and downs, knows how quickly momentum can swing in a two-legged tie. But unless Simba conjures something special in front of their home fans, the ghost of Berkane could haunt the South African coach once again — just as it did in 2022.
The South African
12-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates transfer news: Mofokeng, Riveiro, Mabasa, Basadien, Maela
Having lost out on the Nedbank Cup, Orlando Pirates have nothing to play for but pride in their next two matches. Under Riveiro, the Buccaneers have won five trophies in three seasons but failed to add more to their cabinet in the second half of the current campaign. Having won the MTN8 in October, expectations were high that Orlando Pirates would claim either the CAF Champions League or the Betway Premiership. The Sea Robbers have lost both and with Riveiro leaving, the club might need to reset and shift their focus to next season. The Buccaneers have not found a replacement for their departing coach, but names have been thrown around in recent weeks. Fadlu Davids, who is the head coach of Simba SC, has been rumoured to a returning, but his agent Rasthoem Sumons denied the reports 'We have seen these reports,' Simons told Soccer Laduma . 'I can confirm that there was absolutely no contact with Orlando Pirates. Thus, there is no need to comment on declining the offer to return, as there wasn't one. 'Coach Fadlu spent more than three years at the club, and we have the utmost respect for its processes.' When it comes to players, the club could part ways with the likes of Innocent Maela and Zakhele Lepasa. Tshegofatso Mabasa is reportedly wanted by teams in the Middle East, and is likely to leave Orlando Pirates this season. Another top player set to leave is Relebohile Mofokeng. The 20-year-old has been linked to several top European teams for over a year now and this could be the season he finally jumps ship. In terms of buying players, Orlando Pirates have been inactive in the transfer market. One player the team needs is Fawaaz Basadien. The Soweto giants are unsettled in the left-back position. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
