Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SIMBA Bhora captain Blessing Moyo has shut down transfer talk and tied himself publicly to the Shamva club at a moment when its dressing room is being stripped and rebuilt.
Moyo, who joined Simba Bhora from FC Platinum two seasons ago, told Zimpapers Sports Hub this week that he is staying put and will see out his contract, even as familiar faces walk out of the gate.
“I still have a running contract with the club and I am happy to be here,” Moyo said.
His stance comes against the backdrop of a sharp clear out. Emmanuel Ziocha has been sold to Scottland. Donald Mudadi has crossed to Hardrock. Boid Mutukure, Junior Makunike and Isaskar Gurirab are also gone, leaving gaps across the squad and raising questions about continuity after last season’s slip. Moyo’s decision matters because Simba Bhora are not starting from a blank page. They are champions of 2024 who were knocked off their perch last season by Scottland, and the club has chosen change rather than comfort in response.
That change starts on the bench. Mandla Mpofu has taken over as head coach, replacing Joel Luphaphla, and arrives with a reworked technical team. Energy Murambadoro has been installed as goalkeepers coach, while Philani Mabhena comes in as Mpofu’s assistant.
For Moyo, the captaincy now carries extra weight. He is one of the few senior figures left, trusted for his flexibility at the back and his voice in the room, at a time when new combinations will need direction fast. “Already gearing up for the forthcoming season. We have to be ready as a team,” Moyo said. “As an individual I have been working behind doors to remain fit.”
Simba Bhora began preseason training early this week, a signal that the club wants a shorter gap between disappointment and response. There is no talk of easing into the campaign. The target is immediate relevance.
“It’s obvious we are looking forward to competing and being among the best teams,” Moyo said. “It’s promising to be an interesting season, and we will be competing for the ultimate prize.”
What happens next will define whether Simba Bhora’s title win was a peak or a platform. With rivals strengthened and the memory of last season still raw, Moyo’s commitment offers the club a rare constant as everything else shifts around him.
