Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS are likely to enjoy a massive backing when they play champions Simba Bhora in the Castle Challenge Cup at their traditional hunting ground, Rufaro, on Saturday, but their coach, Lloyd “Ma Blanyo” Chigowe, thinks the Shamva side still have the advantage.
The veteran coach thinks new Simba Bhora coach Joel Luphahla has some key inside information on DeMbare, which could work in his team’s favour.
Luphahla was Chigowe’s assistant last season. He was appointed Simba Bhora coach in January and took with him data analyst Ashley Ndebele, who also worked at Dynamos last year.
Former Dynamos players Donald Mudadi and Emmanuel Ziocha also followed suit and are now with the Premiership champions.
Simba Bhora, on their part, are now a largely changed side from the side that Tonderai Ndiraya guided to the championship title last season.
Ndiraya then dumped Simba Bhora to coach Premiership newboys Scottland and took with him a number of players, including Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, Tymon Machope, Mtokhozisi Msebe, Tichaona Chipunza, Vassili Kawe, and Talbert Shumba.
But Chigowe, whose own side was also decimated by the departure of key players, is not reading much into the transition taking place at Simba Bhora and has reckoned they will be cagey opponents.
“This is a very tricky game in that we have very little information on the current Simba Bhora squad.
“The fact that Luphahla has an insight into our system, having also taken the performance analyst with him to Shamva, gives them an advantage,” Chigowe said.
Apart from Mudadi and Ziocha, Chigowe has lost a number of players, including skipper Frank Makarati and the Moyo twins, Kevin and Elvis.
Expatriates Frederick Ansa Botchway, Emmanuel Paga, and Sadyney Urikhob have also left DeMbare.
However, Chigowe has remained steadfast.
He believes DeMbare have the ability to regenerate.
The Glamour Boys have roped in some new faces, including Ghanaian striker Frank Agmeyang, tear away winger Leeroy Mavhunga, and centre back Clive Mandivei.
The Harare giants have also been boosted by the return of new captain Emmanuel Jalai, who was training in South Africa since the beginning of the year.
Veteran players Temptation Chiwunga, Shadreck Nyahwa, and Donald Dzvinyai are still on the Dynamos roaster.
“We are building a team not only for this game but for the rigours of a potentially explosive season.
“At Dynamos, every game is demanding,” said Chigowe.
He also reminisced on the period he worked with Luphahla.
“It was a pleasure working with Joe (Luphahla), a hardworking, enterprising, and enthusiastic coach.
“We became a cordial technical team in the short time we worked together.”
The Challenge Cup, which features the league champions and winners of the Chibuku Super Cup, is the precursor to the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Not only will it be a taste of what to expect from both teams ahead of the looming season, but the Challenge Cup presents the contestants with an opportunity to pocket US$30 000. Dynamos and Simba Bhora have had contrasting situations in their preparations for the new season.
While Simba Bhora flexed their financial muscle camping in Polokwane, South Africa, Dynamos had to grapple with finding a new training ground and keeping their players motivated, as problems over outstanding salary issues resurfaced.
Simba Bhora revealed on Tuesday that they had struck a lucrative US$500 000 deal with energy drinks company Surge, the same day they captured 2023 Golden Boot winner William Manondo from CAPS United.
Manondo, who had been installed as the 2025 CAPS United captain, is the latest arrival at Simba Bhora, who have also brought in Never Tigere, Blessed Ndereki, Liberty Chakoroma, and goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga.
Lupahla wants to win the Challenge Cup to settle any nerves ahead of what promises to be a hectic season for Simba Bhora.
Simba Bhora will plunge into continental football for the first time when they represent Zimbabwe in the 2025/2026 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
“This is a cup final, and we are treating this match as such,” said Luphahla.
“I know Dynamos would also want to win medals, and that makes it an interesting duel.
“My club president Simba Ndoro and club chairman Isaiah Mpfurutsa have emphasised the importance of this match.
“A win will help boost our confidence going into the difficult season we are facing,” added Luphahla.
