Sundaymail Editor
WHILE there is a remote mathematical chance for Simba Bhora to be pipped to the championship by FC Platinum, it will take nothing short of a sensational and catastrophic collapse for the Shamva-based outfit, which led by nine points before yesterday’s round of action, to lose it.
If we are to stretch reality, FC Platinum might somewhat fancy their chances, but the reigning champions, Ngezi Platinum Stars, are all but out of the race.
There is a snowball’s chance in hell for them to claw back. It is just impossible!
But strange things do happen.
To clinch it, Simba Bhora might need decent results in their next fixtures against Chicken Inn (home), Herentals (away), CAPS United (home), FC Platinum (home) and ZPC Kariba (away).
It is tough, but doable.
And doing so at the expense of teams supported by corporate giants will make it all the more special.
However, it might not actually be fanciful imagining that Simba “Buju” Ndoro, the club’s founder, is now busy preparing for his side’s participation in the CAF Champions League.
It is a remarkable story — well, not quite as astounding as Leicester City’s Cinderella tale in the 2015-2016 season when, as dark horses, they won the English Premier League — especially for a club that debuted in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League in 2023.
Last year, Buju really did put his money where his mouth was by opening up the chequebook, Real Madrid style, to lure players he felt could do the job.
In came players such as the former FC Platinum duo of Walter Musona and Perfect Chikwende, Taimon Mvula and Junior Makunike (both from Dynamos), Wilson Mensah and Talbert Shumba (Triangle), Malvin Mkolo and Billy Vheremu (Bulawayo Chiefs), Harrison Masina from Hunters and Gift Saunyama from Black Rhinos.
More resources were even sunk in sprucing up Wadzanai Stadium.
Not forgetting, of course, the contribution made by coach Tonderayi Ndiraya, whose invaluable stints at Ngezi and Dynamos have been both invaluable and telling.
It really shows that sometimes money can buy you happiness and success.
In the likely event that he wins it, Buju will join a pantheon of local businessmen who triumphed while financing teams from their own pockets.
This league of extraordinary gentlemen includes the late Eric Rosen (Motor Action), as well as Twine Phiri and Farai Jere (CAPS).
Financing a football team, or any other sport for that matter, is not child’s play, for the costs can be onerous.
They say expenses incurred by Manica Diamonds, for example, to play at Sakubva Stadium, their home venue, can run up to US$6 000.
The money usually goes to expenses such as ground rentals, the police and the ambulance.
In a game where support from the corporate world is muted, this is quite a lot.
In the Premier Soccer League (PSL), about four teams are owned by individuals — Herentals (Innocent Benza), CAPS (Farai Jere), Yadah (Walter Magaya), and Bulawayo Chiefs (Lovemore Sibanda).
Bra Shakes is, however, not so sure about Chegutu Pirates.
The trend even spills to the lower division, particularly the Northern Region Division One league.
For the love of the game, these people are doing a lot, helping to create employment and promote the general wellbeing of athletes.
Nothing stops them from putting their hard-earned money elsewhere, or simply spoiling themselves.
So, one way or the other, they need to be supported, be it through Government incentives or sponsorship from the corporate world.
This not only refers to big businesses, but locally owned mid-sized companies as well.
They, too, can play a meaningful role in local sport. The world over, sport, especially football, has become a money-spinning business. Whatever happens in the remaining matches, Simba Bhora really deserve it this time around.
They looked the part.
Until next time.
Peace!
Yours Sincerely,
Bra Shakes.
Online Reporter