Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
SOON after being handed the reins at Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions Simba Bhora, Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu is already brimming with confidence.
Lulu, who arrives from Botswana Premier League side Tafic FC, takes over from Joel Luphahla, now plying his trade at former champions FC Platinum. The veteran coach, also a former Railstars player, boasts a wealth of regional experience with stints at Masitaoka FC, Sua Flamingoes, and Nico United in Botswana.
Locally, he has shaped teams like Highlanders, Bulawayo City, and Bantu Rovers.
“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, affectionately nicknamed “Go Buju Go,” was founded in 2008 to grow football in Mashonaland Central, with special attention on the Shamva community. The team hosts its home matches at Wadzanai Stadium in Shamva.
The club has been no stranger to glory. Their trophy cabinet boasts the 2024 Premier Soccer League crown, the 2024 Independence Children’s Party Cup, and the 2022 Inter Regional Champions of Champions title.
They also lifted the Masvingo Province Independence Trophy in 2022, the 2021/22 Northern Region Soccer League Championship, and were Zifa Mashonaland Central 2019 Champions of Champions. They even bagged two Division 2 league titles in 2008 and 2019.
With Lulu at the helm, Simba Bhora’s fans are dreaming big again. His local know-how, combined with regional experience, makes him the ideal candidate to steer the club into the next chapter of its glittering journey.
As for the competition, FC Platinum has been busy too, parting ways with ex-Warriors captain Norman Mapeza, now on the payroll of free-spending Scotland FC. But for now, all eyes are on Lulu as he brings fresh energy and tactical acumen to Simba Bhora.
