Luphahla wary of DeMbare threat

Joel Luphahla

Innocent Kurira
SIMBA Bhora head coach Joel Luphahla says his team will adopt a cautious approach when they face Dynamos in the Castle Challenge Cup final at Rufaro Stadium this Saturday.

Rufaro Stadium

The match will serve as the season opener for the 2025 campaign.
Luphahla, who recently took over the reins at the defending champions, emphasised that they cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.

“The biggest challenge for us is time. 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,” said Luphahla.

Luphahla also spoke about 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,” he said.
Simba Bhora have lost several key players who were instrumental in their maiden championship title.

Among those who have departed are reigning Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona and Soccer Star of the Year finalist 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.

The game is set to kick off at 2:30PM.

The minimum entry fee is US$3 for general access, US$5 for the grandstands, and US$10 for VIP access.
The VVIP section is strictly by invitation. (@The Chronicle)