Simba coach says Botswana teams are no pushovers
Kabelo Boranabi | Wednesday September 24, 2025 06:00
The Reds fell behind early when Elie Mpanzu Nikibisawala finished off a neat Simba move in the 15th minute, slotting the ball past GU goalkeeper, Thabo Motswagole.
GU tried to hit back, and their best moment of the first half came when Mpho Kgaswane cut inside from the left but fired just over the crossbar. Simba carried their slender 1-0 lead into the halftime break.
After recess, GU grew stronger and controlled much of the play. Mothusi Johnson set up Thatayaone Kgamanyane with a teasing cross, but the forward failed to connect with his weaker right foot.
Johnson later found substitute Thomas Chideu, but his shot was blocked. The Reds pressed hard in the closing stages, but Simba held on for the win.
Following the game, Simba SC coach, Fadlu Davids, said teams from Botswana are often underestimated, but history and his own experience in Francistown prove otherwise.
“Coming to Botswana, everybody thinks it is easy, but Botswana is a very tough place to come. Orlando Pirates, not last season but the season before, got knocked out here in the preliminary,” he said.
“You cannot underestimate the teams from this country. They run hard, they are disciplined, and the intensity they bring for 90 minutes is natural.”
The South African coach also spoke about Simba’s difficult journey.
“It was an arduous trip. It took us 48 hours to get here, so the fatigue was normal. Even a 1-1 or 2-2 draw would have been a good result,” he added.
GU will now travel to Dar es Salaam for the second leg on September 28, needing to take their chances if they are to overturn Simba’s slim advantage.
Teams:
GU: Thabo Motswagole, Alphord Velaphi, Ivan Kamberipa, Tatenda Gora, Mothusi Johnson, Lebogang Ditsile, Karabo Phiri, Mpho Kgaswane, Omphile Ramoagi (Thomas Chideu), Thabo Maponda (Sheikh Sesay), Thatayaone Kgamanyane (Nicolai Pantev)
Simba: Moussa Camara, Shomari Salum Kapombe, Rushine De Reuck, Karaboue Chamou, Anthony Mlingo Richard, Naby Camara, Alassane Maodo Kante, Elie Mpanzu Nikibisawala, Neo Maema, Jean Charles Ahouan, Abdala Selemani Mwalimu Cautions: Gora, Velaphi
GU 0 Simba 1 (Mpanzu 15th)