daniel chigunwe
Innocent Kurira and Cutworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SIMBA BHORA coach Joel Luphahla says his team will adopt a cautious approach when they face giants Dynamos in the Castle Challenge Cup final at Rufaro Stadium this Saturday.
The match will serve as the season-opener for the 2025 campaign.
Luphahla, who recently took over the mantle of head coach at Simba Bhora, emphasised that they cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.
Simba Bhora might be the league champions, but Luphlahla, who was an assistant at Dynamos last year, knows all too well about the Chibuku Super Cup holders’ pedigree.
He claimed that Simba Bhora were not yet fully prepared for the DeMbare test. “The biggest challenge for us is time,’’ Luphahla said.
“We could have done with another week of preparation before this game. We are rebuilding the team after losing several key players.
“As defending champions, with a pre-season camp held outside the country, expectations are high, and we need to deliver.”
Luphahla also expressed the difficulties of facing his former club, Dynamos.
“This is my former club, and it’s not easy for me when I face them. They know how I think and work, which makes it tricky to come up with a strategy for this game,” said Luphahla.
Simba Bhora have lost several key players who were instrumental in their maiden championship title.
Among those who departed are reigning Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona and Soccer Star of the Year finalists Tymon Machope.
The Shamva-based side also saw gritty defensive midfielder Tichaona Chipunza and attacking midfielder Mtokhozisi Msebe leave.
However, Simba Bhora have quickly filled the gaps left by these departures with some astute signings. They have brought in former Dynamos midfielder Donald Mudadi, the highly-rated Blessed Ndereki from Yadah and Emmanuel Ziocha, another former Dynamos player.
While Luphahla was taking a cautious approach, Dynamos’ latest acquisition, Leeroy Mavhunga, has declared his readiness to help his team secure victory in Saturday’s game.
The match is scheduled for an early 2:30 pm kick-off.
Mavhunga, who joined Dynamos during the off-season, expressed his excitement at the prospect of playing in his first top-flight cup final.
“It is my first time to have a chance to play for a cup final in the top-flight,” he said.
“For me, I am seeing an opportunity to write new history for myself and my teammates.” Simba Bhora, who clinched the league title last season, have been in formidable form during their pre-season preparations, including a rigorous two-week training camp in Polokwane, South Africa.
However, Mavhunga remains undaunted by their opponents’ credentials.
“Simba Bhora are one of the favourites for the league, and they would want to cement their status by winning first against us on Saturday,” said Mavhunga.
“But now we have the honour to fight for the Dynamos badge.
“No matter the circumstances, it’s a big burden that demands the players to give their all for the team, for the fans, and for the game of football itself.” Mavhunga believes they will give everything they have in order to walk away victorious.
“We have been working hard to get ourselves ready for our opponents. We are ready to bring war to Simba Bhora and try to win the game by all means possible,” he said. Dynamos will rely on their blend of experienced players and new signings like Mavhunga to deliver a winning performance.
He believes his understanding with other players will make him adapt quickly at the club.
“I have worked with some of the players at Yadah while several of them we all grew up playing together in Highfield, so we understand each other better, and it will make our life easier to adapt at Dynamos,’’ he said.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter