Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SIMBA Bhora have embarked on a rebuilding exercise following the departure of several key players.
They have announced a raft of new signings as they prepare for the upcoming Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
The Shamva-based side have roped in the Namibian trio of Levi Alfeus, McCartney Nawaseb and Kennedy Eib.
They have already signed Adrian Silla from GreenFuel and Claude Makopa from Manica Diamonds.
The arrivals come after Simba Bhora sold a number of influential players during the transfer window, leaving newly-appointed coach Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu with the task of assembling a competitive squad in a short space of time.
Mpofu, who replaced Joel Luphahla at the helm, remains confident the team will rise to the challenge.
Simba Bhora are in Botswana as part of their pre-season preparations.
Last season, Simba Bhora held a two-week pre-season training camp in South Africa.
“I am privileged to be part of Simba Bhora. It’s an hounor joining this ambitious club.
“Remember they have had success by winning the league before so that maybe places some pressure on me as a coach but l am happy to be here.
“This is our fourth week of preparations, we travelled to Botswana and all went well and l am happy with the progress so far.
“Everything is happening, we hope to have a good season,” said Mpofu.
The former champions have appealed for patience from their supporters following the rapid dismantling of the squad that finished third in last season’s title race.
In quick succession, the club confirmed the departures of Junior Makunike, Donald Mudadi and Boid Mutukure to newly-promoted Hardrock.
They were followed by Emmanuel Ziocha, last season’s Soccer Star of the Year second runner-up, and striker Isaskar Gurirab, who both completed moves to champions Scottland.
Five senior players have departed, strengthening two rival clubs, while Simba Bhora are left to reshape under mounting pressure.
The exits were compounded by the departure of coach Luphahla, who guided the team to a third-place finish before leaving at the end of the year to join FC Platinum.
His exit reopened a familiar chapter of transition for a club that has experienced frequent change sinces its rise to the top flight.
