Simba coach upbeat ahead of AS Vita clash

Dar es Salaam. Simba head coach Patrick Aussems says his team has what it takes to make it to the Caf Champions League quarter-finals.

Aussems said this on arrival at the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) from Algeria, where they lost 2-0 to JS Saoura last Saturday.

Simba must beat DR Congo’s AS Vitra Club in their Group D clash at the National Stadium on Saturday if they are to qualify for the last eight.

Aussems said his players were aware of the importance of the match, which he said if they win, would take them to the quarter-finals.

“I believe the boys will win the match and what is needed is for them to be mentally and physically fit,” the Belgian said.

Vita are expected in the country on Thursday for the eagerly awaited match clash, which will start at 7pm.

It will be handled by referee Noureddine El Jaafari from Morocco, according to the Confederation of African Football (Caf).

El Jaafari will be assisted by Hicham Ait Abbou and Yahya Nouali also from Morocco.

In another Group D game, Al Ahly of Egypt and JS Saoura will lock horns at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria. It will also start at 7pm.

Simba are at the bottom of the four-team group with six points.

JS Saoura top the group with eight points, one ahead of Al Ahly and AS Vita Club who sit second and third respectively.

Aussems said fatigue was the major factor behind their defeat to JS Saoura in Algiers.