Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
SOON after joining Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Simba Bhora, head coach Mandla Mpofu is already bubbling with confidence, stepping into the role with the calm assurance of a man who knows the road he is on.
The former Highlanders coach arrives from Botswana Premier League side Tafic FC, bringing with him a deep understanding of regional football and the demands of success at the highest level.
Mpofu, a former Railstars player, is no stranger to the Southern African game. His coaching journey has taken him across Botswana with stints at Masitaoka FC, Sua Flamingoes and Nico United, experiences that have shaped his approach and sharpened his instincts.
At Simba Bhora, Mpofu replaces Joel Luphahla, who has joined former champions FC Platinum. The Pure Platinum Play outfit recently parted ways with ex-Warriors captain and midfield maestro Norman Mapeza, who is now with free-spending Scottland FC.
Mpofu has enjoyed spells both in neighbouring Botswana and in the local league, where he has mentored clubs including Highlanders, Bulawayo City and Bantu Rovers, building a reputation as a steady hand capable of managing transition and expectation.
“It is always good to come back home. The mission will be to take the work from what the previous coaches have been doing,” said an ecstatic Mpofu.
Simba Bhora, nicknamed Go Buju Go, was founded in 2008 to promote football development in Mashonaland Central Province, with a particular focus on the Shamva community. The club plays its home matches at Wadzanai Stadium in Shamva and has steadily grown into a force on the domestic scene.
The champions boast an impressive honours list that underlines the size of the task now before Mpofu. Their achievements include the 2024 Premier Soccer League championship, the 2024 Independence Children’s Party Cup, the 2022 Inter Regional Champions of Champions title, the Masvingo Province Independence Trophy in 2022, the 2021 and 2022 Northern Region Soccer League championship, the Zifa Mashonaland Central Champions of Champions crown in 2019 and two Division Two league titles won in 2008 and 2019.
