Simba shot to the top of log yesterday, following their 5-2 victory over Kagera Sugar, they are now a point clear ahead of Azam, who have played two games more.

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Yanga could reduce the gap to just a point, as Davids talks about the strong competition.

''We played, I think in our first four matches Azam was one of the teams we played. When we analysed their squad, they have got a very similar squad to what we have. Same quality of players, a younger profile player - they have a Tanzanian national team Captain, the No.10 of the national team and a very well balanced side. You can't right them off, they were number two above Simba - last season that is why they played in the Champions League, it is not a two-horse race. And Tabora is the team that is in the best form at the moment,'' said Davids.

Simba, Yanga, Azam, Singida Black Stars and Tabora United, are the teams that will be chasing the Tanzanian Premier League title this season.

In terms of quality, Davids says the standard of that league is not far off from the Premier Soccer League’s standard in South Africa.

''The league is not as easy and as straight-forward as it seems. You can drop points and draw matches, like we drew against Coastal Union, we were leading two 2-0 and in the first we were 2-2, so if you don't remain focused you may lose the match. Yes South Africa is a step ahead because of the infrastructure but the league here is on the same level as the PSL when it comes to talent,'' added Davids.

But the rivalry between Simba and Yanga, it will always be there, and with Nguvu Moja having now gone three years without winning the league title, Davids knows that the expectations are on him.

''Yah, the rivalry is quite intense and we always speak about it. If you win, the happiness index of the country goes up, and 30 million Simba fans can die if they lose a match. So you either get a fan that is cheering you on or shouting, it's either a Yanga or a Simba fan, the rivalry is quite intense, it's interesting to see how the country is divided when it comes to these two,'' he expressed.

In the CAF Confederation Cup, Simba will fancy their chances to go through to the knockout phase, as they are tied on six points after three matches, with Algeria’s Constantine and Bravos do Maquis from Mozambique. Davids believes that 10 points could be enough for them in this group.

SIYABONGA MALINGA

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