Fadlu Davids wins new award in Tanzania

The whistle blows on another hard-fought victory, and Fadlu Davids allows himself a rare smile. Just seven days after the agony of continental defeat in the CAF Confederation Cup final, the South African tactician is scripting an improbable turnaround in Tanzania. His Simba SC side, fueled by resilience rather than rest, have clawed within touching distance of Premier League glory.

Davids' debut season in East Africa reads like a footballing odyssey:

• A historic CAF Confederation Cup final appearance (their first ever)
• Federation Cup semifinalists
• Now breathing down Young Africans' necks in a title race that will be decided by millimeters

Wednesday's 1-0 win over Singida Black Stars - achieved on tired legs just 72 hours after their continental finale - showcased the warrior mentality Davids has instilled. "This schedule was brutal, unfair even," the former Orlando Pirates boss admits, wiping sweat from his brow. "But my players? They wrote the manual on mental toughness today."

With three games remaining, and the title race balanced on a knife's edge, Davids' philosophy crystallizes: "Beautiful football got us here. Now it's about ugly wins, sleepless nights, and who wants it more."