EIGHTY TWO GAMES IN A ROW

Bruce Chikuni

Sports Reporter

SIMBA Bhora vice-captain, Webster Tafa, appears to have created his own lane as he is still yet to miss a fixture since the club was promoted into the Castle Lager Premiership three seasons ago.

This makes the former CAPS United man the most capped Simba Bhora player with 82 league matches, three more appearances in the Chibuku Super Cup, and a Castle Challenge Cup outing.

The central defender, who hails from Bindura, was at the heart of Simba Bhora’s defence when they were crowned champions on their second attempt last season.

He has been a dependable fighter who Simba Bhora fans count on in their hour of need.

The gritty defender has twice made goal line clearances against Green Fuel and Ngezi Platinum, with both fixtures ending goalless this season.

The miners are just four points behind pacesetters, MWOS, who are leading the championship chase with 30 points.

Tafa also stood tall, spearheading Simba Bhora’s chase for a PSL ticket four seasons ago in the ZIFA Northern Region Division One Soccer League.

He joined Simba Bhora from Makepekepe when they were under the guidance of Arthur Tutani.

Tutani immediately made him his main man, and his successor, Tonderai Ndiraya, followed the same path too.

It is something which the current coach, Joel Luphahla, has inherited as he has shown trust in Tafa in his first 14 games in charge of the champions.

Tafa has created a decent partnership with Isheanesu Mauchi, as they have accumulated nine clean sheets this campaign.

Tafa told Zimpapers Sports that he is focusing on leaving a mark at the club.

“It is a privilege to be playing for this club, it remains a dream for everyone in Mashonaland Central to be part of this group of talented players.

“I can only give glory to God because this club has given me more than I thought, and it is more than a family to me.

“I have never imagined myself playing for any other club from the time I joined this team. I wasn’t paying attention to how many games I have played.

“But it sounds very good to be reminded of this milestone. I want to be remembered at this club for a long time, and this is the time for me to create those memories with the help of my teammates and coaches,” said Tafa.

The champions will resume action after the international break with a trip to Highlanders.