dyton mupawaenda
Bruce Chikuni
SIMBA Bhora hitman, Tinashe Balakasi is racing clear to show why he is treated like a demigod in Shamva.
Balakasi is currently sitting two goals behind Bulawayo Chiefs’ Obriel Chirinda, who has 11 goals, in the race for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Golden Boot.
His goals have eased Simba Bhora’s relegation worries.
If all goes well, Balakasi will also write his own piece of history in Zimbabwean football for claiming the Golden Boot in three consecutive seasons in different leagues.
He netted 25 times when Simba Bhora acquired their ZIFA Northern Region Division One status and registered a record breaking 29 goals last season to power the miners into the top-flight league.
It is now five games to play before this season ends and Balakasi is backing himself to net at least four times.
He revealed to Zimpapers Sport how he has turned the tables.
“It was a difficult start for me because many changes took place at the club and I had to fight for my place.
“A new team was assembled and it took me time to connect with my teammates and gradually we starting knowing each other well.
“It’s just unfortunate that period lasted for longer but the good thing is we are now in the same lane, goals are coming and we still have a lot of work to do for us to consider ourselves safe from relegation,” said Balakasi.
Balakasi hailed the team’s fans for being in his corner during his dark hours.
“I owe everything to these fans, they make me feel special and it really hurts me they have been made to wait until next season so they can get to have a feel of PSL in Shamva.
“It’s something which I’m also appealing to the team’s president Simba “Buju” Ndoro to work on because if it was not for them (fans), we could have not walked this distance.
“I have faith that our boss will do everything in his power to make sure that we play our home fixtures in Shamva next season,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter