Dar es Salaam. Today, April 20, 2025, Simba SC will host Stellenbosch FC at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar for the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals a clash rich in history, pressure, and redemption.
On paper, Simba hold the edge. The Tanzanian giants have never lost at home to a South African side in CAF competitions, winning all three previous home encounters.
Yet, behind that perfect home record lies a haunting truth: Simba has only eliminated a South African team once in three attempts.
This semifinal isn’t just about reaching the final it’s a chance to break a bitter curse that has stalked the Msimbazi side for years.
A painful history revisited
The story began in 2003, when Simba faced Santos FC in the first round of the CAF Champions League.
After a 0-0 draw in Cape Town, the return leg in Dar es Salaam also ended goalless.
The tie went to penalties, where Simba edged out Santos 9–8 in a dramatic shootout earning a famous pass to face, and later eliminate, Zamalek on their way to the group stage.
In May 2021, the ghosts of South Africa returned.
Simba met Kaizer Chiefs in the Champions League quarter-finals.
A brutal 4–0 first-leg loss in Johannesburg left them needing a miracle.
And they nearly had it—winning 3–0 in Dar es Salaam, with a John Bocco brace and a late goal from Clatous Chama.
But the aggregate score of 3–4 wasn’t enough.
A year later, in the 2021/22 Confederation Cup quarter-finals, Simba once again impressed at home.
A Shomari Kapombe penalty gave them a 1–0 win over Orlando Pirates.
However, the return leg in Soweto saw Pirates level the tie, and Simba lost 3–4 in the ensuing penalty shootout.
Midfielder Jonas Mkude and defender Henock Inonga Baka missed their kicks.
Striker Chris Mugalu was sent off in the 58th minute, adding salt to the wound.
Now, it’s Stellenbosch. Another South African opponent. Another shot at rewriting history.
Coaches speak: A tale of two mentalities
Simba head coach Fadlu Davids knows exactly what’s at stake not just for the team, but for the legacy of Simba’s continental ambitions.
“We respect Stellenbosch. They’ve earned their place here. But we believe in our strength, especially at home. This stadium is our fortress and we need to use that advantage,” said Davids during the pre-match press conference.
He also acknowledged past failures and stressed the importance of learning from them:
“We’ve taken key lessons from those painful exits. We need to be compact in defence and clinical in front of goal. The players are focused and ready,” he added.
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker, meanwhile, enters the match with confidence, drawing inspiration from their shock elimination of Zamalek in the quarter-finals.
“We know Simba are strong at home, but we’re not here to admire the scenery. We’ve beaten big teams before. With discipline, structure, and courage, anything is possible,” Barker said.
A match beyond football
For Simba, this match is not just about reaching their first-ever CAF Confederation Cup final.
It’s about redemption. About shedding the weight of past failures.
And about proving that the ghosts of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates no longer haunt them.
With stars like Kibu Denis, Elie Mpanzu, Charles Jean Ahoua , and the safe hands of goalkeeper Moussa Camara, Simba enters this battle armed and ready.
But Stellenbosch is no ordinary guest. They’ve already shocked Africa once.
Now they dream of doing it again. Can Simba finally break the South African curse?
Or will history repeat itself? The answers will unfold under the Zanzibar floodlights on Sunday.
