Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHEN Simba Bhora host AGAMA at Wadzanai on Sunday, it will be far more than just another Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixture.
This is the Mashonaland Central derby, a clash of two gritty communities rooted in gold mining and agriculture, but united by an unbreakable passion for football.
Simba Bhora draw their identity from Shamva, while AGAMA hails from Mount Darwin.
On Sunday, those bonds and battle lines will collide.
The timing adds a powerful layer of history. The match falls just a after Zimbabwe celebrates 46 years of independence, a milestone with deep resonance for a province that played a critical role in the liberation struggle for the country.
On the pitch, however, the story has been grim that engulfs the Premiership newcomers, who are still searching for a maiden top-flight win.
AGAMA, who have now turned to the experience of former ZIFA Technical Director Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe to save the ship, have managed just a single point from a possible 21 after seven games.
They sit level on points with a struggling Manica Diamonds side and Sunday’s derby offers a harsh lesson in the gap between ambition and survival.
But Simba Bhora are also hardly flying.
The 2024 champions sit in 11th place with nine points and have lost their last two league games by identical 1-0 margins, falling to Dynamos at Wadzanai and MWOS at Ngoni.
Their coach Mandla “Lulu’’ Mpofu will be looking to stem that Simba Bhora in a battle that is also viewed as one between a landlord and his tenant.
This is because AGAMA, without a venue that is certified by the ZIFA First Instance Board, are currently using Simba Bhora’s Wadzanai for their home games.
Mpofu, speaking ahead of the derby clash emphasized its importance to Simba Bhora.
“This is a very important game, looking at where we are coming from, we have lost two consecutive games (against Dynamos and MWOS).
“We cannot undermine our opponents despite having their own struggles. They have not won, but we cannot take them lightly,” said Mpofu.
“It is a game we are taking seriously. I am hopeful we will compete on Sunday. I am confident the team will perform, and we are also doing it for our fans.”
Simba Bhora, forced into a rebuild after once again losing some key players at the start of the year, have struggled to score and are yet to score at home.
But Mpofu said they are working around the clock to find a solution to that.
“We are working around the clock. We are creating very good opportunities, and we have been just unfortunate,” he added.
AGAMA bring a different dimension of pressure to Simba Bhora, they share the same pitch and Mandla believes experience and quality could be the deciding factors in the match.
“Every game has got its pressure. They have been using the same pitch, which makes the game difficult. But we are a championship team, we need to use our experience and quality.”
Simba Bhora will be missing the services of their captain Blessing Moyo who remains sidelined by injury but has reportedly begun his comeback bid by doing some light training.
There are also doubts on the availability of Simba Bhora’s Malawian import Lawrence Chaziya, who would have to undergo under a late fitness assessment before the game.
But Mpofu is eager to get maximum points to appease the fans he described as patient.
“We want to play for them.
“They have been patient. They deserve three points, and everyone in the team knows how much we owe them.”
