Published Saturday, 21 October 2023
Simba SC skipper John Raphael Bocco has termed it as an honour for his side to be competing in the inaugural edition of the African Football League.
The Tanzanian giants host Al Ahly at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam this evening the first match of the new tournament, and Bocco says Wekundu wa Msimbazi are keen to step out and give their best against the Egyptian powerhouse.
“This is an honour for Simba and Tanzanian football to play in this tournament and more so, to host the first game here in Dar. For us as players we want to grab this opportunity to give our best and represent the Tanzanian flag”, Bocco said.
The Skipper added that the players were motivated to go all out and give a good performance, noting that they have prepared well over the last fortnight and their confidence is high, hoping to get a win.
“We know we are up for a big and tough game, coming up against a team with lots of experience. We want to go all out for a win, especially noting that we are playing at home,” Bocco said.
“Such games are usually a motivation in themselves for players because we all want to go out there and show what we can do as a team. We have good players and a team with a blend of young and experienced players and the focus is one, to go onto the pitch and win. We are not just 11 players on the pitch but a team.”
Simba have beaten Ahly on both occasions when playing them at home, and Bocco says this is a motivation for them and it gives the players added motivation ahead of the big clash against the 11-time African champions.
“It is a knockout game and we need to start well and win at home. For such matches, winning at home is usually a very key aspect if you want to make the next round. We want to qualify for the semis and the best way to do that is to get a good victory here in Dar es Salaam. We will have our fans filling the stadium and we won’t disappoint them,” Bocco stated.
