Simba SC, one of Tanzania’s premier football clubs, are poised to make waves in the CAF Champions League, marking their second appearance in the quarter-finals after nearly five decades.With their highest finish dating back to 1974, when they reached the semi-finals, Simba SC aims to elevate their status in African football following recent investments into the club.Their ultimate goal: clinching the prestigious trophy for the very first time in their history.To realize their ambitions, Simba SC faces the daunting task of overcoming Al Ahly SC, the record-winners of the competition, in a two-legged tie.##NAJAVA_MECA_7978557##The first leg is scheduled for Friday, March 30, at their home ground before the return leg in Cairo, Egypt, on April 6.Brief History:Founded in 1936 as Queen, later renamed Sunderland, and finally rebranded as Simba in 1971, the club derives its nickname, “Wekundu wa Msimbazi” (The Reds of Msimbazi), from its all-red home strip and headquarters located on Msimbazi Street.History favours Harambee Stars as they face Zimbabwe in the Four-Nation tournament finalSimba boasts one of the largest fan bases in Tanzania and across Africa, a testament to their enduring popularity.Home Ground:Simba SC hosts its home matches at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, boasting a seating capacity of 60,000 spectators.Achievements:With 22 Tanzanian Premier League titles to their credit, Simba SC ranks as the second most successful club in Tanzania. Their most recent league triumph came in the 2020-21 season.CAF Champions League: Unprecedented week for Tanzania club football beckonsAdditionally, they have clinched the Community Shield (Super Cup) on 10 occasions.Continental Achievements:Despite their domestic success, Simba SC has yet to secure a continental trophy.Their closest brush with glory was finishing runners-up in the defunct CAF Cup in 1993 and reaching the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League in 1974.Head Coach:Without a doubt, a new African star in the making – European giants eager to snatch FayeGuiding the team’s fortunes is Abdelhak Benchikha, an Algerian coach renowned for his extensive experience across Africa.With a coaching resume spanning over 10 clubs in Algeria, Libya, Qatar, Morocco, and Tunisia, Benchikha aims to lead Simba SC to continental glory following his appointment on November 24, 2023.Key Player – Henock Inonga BakaCentral to Simba SC’s defensive solidity is DR Congo international Henock Inonga Baka.His stellar performances have earned him a starting spot in the DR Congo national team, which finished fourth in the AFCON held in Cote d’Ivoire.Other StatsSecond quarter-final appearance – the first time since 1974The highest finish was in the 1974 season, reaching the semi-finalsThe second most successful club in Tanzania with 22 league titlesBy CAF Online
