Aquino relishes CAF challenge, believes Simba Queens can rule Africa

Simba Queens midfielder Corazone Aquino says they have what it takes to win the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Women Champions League whose draw was held on Friday in Rabat, Morocco.

Simba Queens will be the sole representatives of the CECAFA region in the second edition of the continental showpiece slated for October 30 to November 13.

The winners will walk away with Sh60 million.

The three-time Tanzania Women Premier League champions are drawn in Group ‘A’ together with hosts ASFAR Club of Morocco, Green Buffaloes (Zambia) and Determine Girls from Liberia.

Group ‘B’ has the defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa, Wadi Degla (Egypt) and Bayelsa Queens (Nigeria).

“I have seen the draw and I can say we have been pooled alongside the toughest teams in the continent. We will however not shy away from giving our best, the aim is to win the title because we believe in ourselves,” she told Citizen Digital.

“We have a very good squad comprising of representatives from Nigeria and Ghana who gives us more experience and dimension ahead of the tournament,” added Aquino.

Aquino was influential in Simba Queens' win at the Cecafa Championship after netting five goals including the winner against She Corporate of Uganda in the final last month.

In the quest to make Simba the queens of Africa, Aquino will work compatriots Topister Situma (striker) and Caroline Rufa (keeper) who joined the side recently.

“It will be very good experience playing in one team with my two Kenyan colleagues. They are good players whom I have believe on and I am also happy for how they have fast settled.

Playing in Caf Champions League is a very nice opportunity for us to showcase our talents for a possible move in European clubs,” she concluded.

The 23-year-old midfielder is currently on short holiday in her home county Siaya after winning the Cecafa title and is expected to return to Tanzania on Friday to start preparations for the continental tourney.

Simba will be the second team to represent East Africa region after Vihiga Queens represented the region in last year's inaugural tournament held in Cairo, Egypt.

 Kenyan Champions Vihia Queens could however not feature in the tourney as Kenya is currently banned from international football by Fifa.