Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
SIMBA Bhora, will begin their maiden dance on the continental stage in Botswana buoyed by a surprise package from a Zimbabwean businessman based in that country.
The Shamva side will host Nsingizi Hotspurs of Eswatini in a preliminary round fixture in Francistown on Sunday.
The return leg will be staged in Eswatini a week later.
Zimpapers Sports Hub has been told that Simba Bhora will proceed to Gaborone soon after the first leg, and will camp in Botswana’s capital for two days, courtesy of Zimbabwean businessman Tendani Sebata, who is based in that country.
Formerly a shareholder at Botswana Premier League giants Township Rollers, Sebata now owns Black Lions who are making their debut in the Motswana top-flight this season.
Simba Bhora will use Black Lions’ training and accommodation facilities before proceeding to Eswatini for the return leg.
It’s not the first time Sebata is hosting a Zimbabwean club in Botswana.
Last season, he took care of Dynamos when they played Botswana side Orapa United in a CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round fixture.
“We spoke with Simba Bhora’s executive regarding them coming to Botswana.
“They will play their game on Sunday, then they will come to Gaborone and camp for two days before they proceed to Eswatini for the return leg.
“We offered them our training facilities and the club house where they will be lodging,” Sebata told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
He added:
“It’s a question of helping each other. I helped Dynamos last year when I was still with Township Rollers.
“Now that I own Black Lions, 100 percent, and I am a Zimbabwean in Botswana, it’s always good to help each other.
“Simba Bhora are my home team and I think they will do the same thing if my team comes to Zimbabwe.
“A home that does not have visitors is not a proper home. So it’s a great honour for us to assist them with logistics and hospitality,” added Sebata.
Should Simba Bhora progress to the next round they will face either Gaborone United of Botswana or Simba SC of Tanzania in October.
