Stellenbosch FC defender Fawaaz Basadien remains optimistic about his side’s chances of reaching the CAF Confederation Cup final, despite trailing Tanzanian giants Simba SC by a single goal heading into Sunday’s second leg semi-final.
The Maroons will welcome Simba to the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban at 3pm, hoping to overturn the 1-0 loss from the first leg and continue what has already been a historic campaign for the club in their debut season of continental football.
Stellenbosch shocked many by progressing this far, especially after eliminating Egyptian heavyweights Zamalek in the quarter-finals – a result that made the rest of the continent take notice of the South African outfit.
Their rapid rise has earned them admiration not just at home, but now across Africa, and Basadien believes there is still more to come.
“The fixture is still salvageable. They (Simba) weren’t happy with the score being 1-0 because they know coming here is going to be difficult. We definitely stand a chance of going to the next round,” said Basadien, who captained the side in the first leg.
Durban 👋
Help us fly the 🇿🇦 flag high when we welcome Simba SC to your city on Sunday 🇹🇿🦁
Tickets for the continental showpiece are on sale for just R30 per person ⬇️
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) April 22, 2025
Stellenbosch’s story has been one of steady growth and surprise results.
Only a few seasons ago, they were still trying to find their footing in the domestic league. Now, they are one game away from a continental final.
Though they finished third in the Premiership and lifted their first major domestic trophy last season, few would have predicted such an impact in their maiden Confederation Cup campaign.
Many expected their journey to end in the group stage, but their consistent performances and fearless approach have propelled them into the spotlight.
Basadien credits much of their success to the freedom the team has felt – a result, he says, of being viewed as underdogs throughout the tournament.
“Yes, that is one of the most important things for us (freedom), I told the players before the game in Tanzania, no one expects us to get a result against Simba, more especially on their own pitch,” he explained.
Down, but not out.
Simba SC 1️⃣–0️⃣ Stellenbosch FC pic.twitter.com/B97M7qUQqd
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) April 20, 2025
“Yes, we didn’t get the result in the first leg, but ahead of this second leg, there’s no pressure on us to go to the final.
“The pressure is on them, but it gives us freedom to enjoy ourselves and the occasion.”
Simba SC, a club with far more continental experience and pedigree, will arrive in Durban aware that their slender lead may not be enough against a Stellenbosch team that have shown grit and confidence in difficult moments.
Basadien and his teammates will take to the field on Sunday knowing the odds are still against them – but they’ve already made a habit of rewriting the script.
A place in the final remains a tough ask, but not an impossible one.
And if their campaign so far is anything to go by, Stellenbosch will once again look to defy expectations.
