Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
The Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lieutenant General (Retired) Ambassador Anselem Sanyatwe has challenged Simba Bhora to raise the country’s flag high when they make their maiden appearance in the CAF Champions League later this month.
Simba Bhora will face Eswatini’s Nsingizini FC at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana, on 21 September.
The showdown comes after the Shamva-based side secured their place in continental football by winning the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Speaking during a send-off ceremony at the Geo Pomona sports facilities, where Simba Bhora is in camp, Ambassador Sanyatwe expressed confidence in the team’s readiness.
“Today we are here at the Geo Pomona facility, having been invited by the authorities of Simba Bora Football Club,” he said.
“We are here to see them going through their preparations for the CAF Champions League tournament where they will play in Botswana sometime next week as champions of our national league.
“This time around, Simba Bhora is going to represent Zimbabwe in the tournament. We are so confident that they are going to perform well.”
The minister said the team’s morale and determination is encouraging.
“I am happy that I had the opportunity to talk to the team members. They seem very motivated,” he added.
“The team has promised us that they will bring the trophy back home.”
Simba Bhora president Simba Ndoro welcomed the minister’s visit, saying it motivated the players and technical staff.
“I would like to thank the Minister of Sport, Ambassador Sanyatwe, for the visit as well as Dr Dilesh Nguwaya of Geo Pomona for hosting us,” he said.
“As Simba Bhora we are a very young side in the league but we have achieved a lot during the three seasons that we have been in the top flight.
“We had a five-year plan that has seen us achieving so much in a short period of time. We promise the nation that we will do our best in the Champions League.”
Geo Pomona CEO and Executive Chairman, Dr Dilesh Nguwaya said the company is proud to host Simba Bhora at its state-of-the-art facilities.
“As Geo Pomona, this is part of our corporate social responsibility. People come here and train,” he said.
“We are giving back to the community after transforming this place into what it is now.
“It’s not just an ordinary facility, it’s Fifa certified and it meets international standards. We are happy that the team is conducting its training sessions here.”
Head Coach Joel Lupahla said the team’s preparations are on track, adding that he was optimistic about their chances in the tournament.
The minister was accompanied by Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya and Permanent Secretary Nicholas Moyo.
