Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
PRESSURE could be gradually building up in his camp as he braces to face a familiar yet tricky opponent but Simba Bhora head coach Joel Luphahla remains unfazed and ready for a stern test.
When the Castle Lager Premiership resumes at the weekend after an international break, reigning champions will be hosted by giants Dynamos in what is dubbed to be a blockbuster fixture at Rufaro on Sunday.
Simba Bhora are currently the only side yet to concede in the PSL race while they have scored once in their two draws and a win so far in the season.
On the other hand, Dynamos have recorded three draws so far under the mentorship of Lloyd Chigowe who was appointed as substantive coach at the start of the season having scored once and conceded one time.
Facing his former paymasters, and Chigowe, the man whom he shared notes and tactics with last season could prove tricky for Luphahla as both sides are desperate to pick maximum points.
“It will not be an easy outing, in fact it is always tough to face an opponent that you have worked with before because they have a deep understanding of who you are and how you operate,” said Luphahla.
“However, we are running separate races now and each man focuses on his own targets so we do not want to lose focus or get carried away by the pressure that comes with playing such games.
“We have a record to maintain, we have not conceded so far this season and it will be phenomenal if we can pick another clean sheet but we also need to score goals and win the game.”
This will not be the first time that Simba face Dynamos since Luphahla’s departure.
The two sides faced off in the Castle Challenge with the clash ending in a 1-1 draw in regulation before Dynamos triumphed 5-3 in penalty shoot outs.
With more depth on a team that appears strong on paper compared to his counterpart, Luphahla who is also in his first year as a topflight head coach refuses to read into history.
Simba Bhora brought in veteran Goal Keeper Tonderai Mateyaunga and William Manondo (Caps United), Blessed Ndereki (Yadah), First Gandisani, Chris Makambira (Bikita Minerals), Carlos Mavhurume, Never Tigere, Tinotenda Meke (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Liberty Chakoroma (Manica Diamonds), Marlvin Hwata (Chicken Inn), Donald Mudadi and Emmanuel Ziocha from Dynamos.
The youthful mentor said he will be treating a league match differently compared to how they approached the cup clash.
“That was our first game from the off season and as a new team, so obviously we had a lot to look into,” Luphahla said.
“We had the opportunity to weigh ourselves in a competitive game earlier than other teams and I am sure that with the three games that we have played so far we have learnt and adjusted a lot.
“Having the best team on paper is one thing but bringing the results is another so we are focusing on getting the maximum points now and this game is no exception.”
Interestingly both sides also have a legion of fans who are equally demanding and unwilling to compromise in their demand for maximum points.
Currently the Shamva based side are seated on position six on the log table with five points to their name while Dembare are on number 13 with three.
Last PSL season, Simba won 1-0 at Wadzanai before a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at Rufaro, in August, a few days after the arrival of Luphahla at Dembare.
And victory over the Blue Army, will earn Luphahla more respect in the league and the Shamva community.
“You need a strong mentality to play and overpower Dynamos especially in their own backyard,” added Luphahla.
“The atmosphere at Rufaro is always intimidating and even their supporters play a key role so those are some of the things that we need to look carefully into as we head into the fixture.
“We have relatively senior players who have played at Rufaro before under different teams so we are confident that while it is a huge task that we are faced with, we are not going to be intimidated.”
Mathew Masinge