The head coach of Tanzanian giants Simba has given his thoughts on coming up against Percy Tau and his Al Ahly teammates in their first African Football League (AFL) quarter-final clash.
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The draw for the inaugural AFL, previously known as the African Super League, took place last weekend and it threw up some mouthwatering encounters for spectators to look forward to.
One of those match-ups will see the Reds of Msimbazi take on the continent's most successful side, Ahly.
Previous contests between them have been evenly poised, with the sides winning two encounters each, and Simba head coach Roberto Oliveira has insisted that his men should be respected heading into not only that match, but the tournament as a whole.
"I am happy to face Al Ahly, because Simba is a strong team who performs well in the Champions League," the Brazilian tactician told OnTime Sports.
"We are among the top 10 teams in Africa, and we are currently in seventh place. We have a strong team, a mix of experience and youth, and I am completely satisfied with the performance and strategy we play with.
"I see this as a good opportunity for us to perform well and showcase our skills. The match against Al Ahly will be a strong derby and a big game, and we have the opportunity to give our best.
"I am ready to play anywhere. Secondly, I respect all the competitors, but for me, football is not about the past or the future; it's about the present. All competitors should respect Simba because it's one of the best teams in Africa.
"We have a strong team, and I love playing in derby matches. It will be a strong derby match, and I respect all the competitors.
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"We will give our best in our matches, and we haven't been defeated in the league and the Tanzanian Super Cup."
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