Simba SC head coach Fadlu Davids has sent a warning to Stellenbosch FC ahead of their CAF Confederations Cup semi-final clash.
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The South African spoke honestly about the Betway Premiership side and admitted that he had prepared to face Zamalek at this stage of the tournament but said he would not take the Cape side lightly, IPP Media reported.
"We expected to return to Egypt to face Zamalek again," Davids said.
"We didn’t expect them to lose to Stellenbosch, especially since they are the defending champions. As a club, we were surprised by the outcome."
The former Maritzburg United player reportedly said Steve Barker's side were a strong team but felt the defending champions played too cautiously across the two legs.
"But Stellenbosch are a good team with pace, and they deserve all the respect," the head coach said. "We saw Zamalek show them too much respect in Cape Town, and I believe that played a big role in the result."
The Tanzanian side qualified for the semi-finals of a continental tournament for the first time in their history and Davids was optimistic he could take the team one step further.
"Of course, we are confident in our ability to make it to the final," the Capetonian said. "What I know about Stellenbosch is that they are a strong, ambitious team. I’ve coached in South Africa, I know their coach and several of their players."
"This is a golden opportunity for us," he went on.
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"It’s the first time in our history that we’ve reached this stage in the CAF Confederation Cup. We are more accustomed to competing in the CAF Champions League, but we are fully focused on making history in this tournament."
