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IT’S very likely that Simba Bhora will make history this afternoon when they become the first club from Mashonaland Central to win the domestic Premiership title.
All that Tonderai Ndiraya and his men need is, at least, a point against relegated Arenel Movers in Bulawayo today.
And, we are even assuming that FC Platinum will beat unpredictable Bulawayo Chiefs at Mandava today.
In the event that Norman Mapeza and his men fail to beat Chiefs, then Simba Bhora will be champions irrespective of what happens in Bulawayo today.
Last year, the league championship was won by a Mashonaland West team for the first time in its history when Ngezi Platinum Stars took the biggest prize in domestic football.
Not so long ago, the championship had only been won by clubs from either Harare or Bulawayo until FC Platinum ended all that with the first of their four titles on the bounce.
There is even a possibility that no Harare side will make the top six on the table and, so far, the best performing team from the capital is Herentals.
Traditional giants Dynamos and CAPS United have struggled to impose themselves once again.
It’s now 10 years and counting since DeMbare were last crowned champions.
The new boys, who have deeper pockets and can afford to spoil their players and coaches with huge incentives, are now attracting the best players.
At the beginning of this season, Simba Bhora flexed their muscles and signed the 2022 Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, goalkeepers Talbert Shumba and Taimon Mvula, Mthokozisi Msebe, Junior Makunike, Perfect Chikwende, Gift Saunyama, Malvin Mkolo and Billy Veremu.
In years gone by, all these players would have been flocking to Dynamos but things have changed so much that they are now feeling from the Glamour Boys in search of rich pickings.
One cannot suggest that Simba Bhora do not deserve to be champions. They have been the most consistent team in the league and they transformed their home ground into a fortress where they are unbeaten this season.
Last year, without their home ground, they struggled badly in the championship race.
They even flirted with relegation although they managed to finish just two points clear of the chop.
Given their lofty ambitions, one would have expected the Simba Bhora leaders to axe Ndiraya after their poor run last season.
But, they chose patience and considered that this was a tough operating environment for their coach, and team, without the advantage that comes with playing at home.
So, instead of firing Ndiraya, which the Dynamos leaders would probably have done, they gave him another chance to prove himself.
They also strengthened their team and worked overnight to ensure that they provided their players with a proper home by renovating Wadzanai Stadium.
Now, those leaders are being rewarded with the ultimate prize in local football — the league championship.
Shamva will become the smallest town in the history of our football to produce a team that was good enough to be crowned champions.
Online Reporter