PSL’s in-form teams clash in Shamva

Eddie Chikamhi, Senior Sports Reporter

Former Zimbabwe international Khama Billiat is the man to watch today as he leads Yadah against in-form Simba Bhora at Wadzanai Stadium in Shamva.

Billiat is fresh from winning his first Castle Lager Premiership Player of the Month accolade.

Interestingly, Simba Bhora coach Tonderai Ndiraya was also voted the Premiership Coach of the Month.

So, fans in Shamva will today witness the game featuring the Player of the Month against a club coached by the Coach of the Month. Billiat is enjoying a revival of his career after returning from South Africa earlier this season to join modest league side Yadah. The forward has been instrumental in his side’s current five-match unbeaten run, weighing in with goals and the needed leadership on the pitch, much to the delight of his coach Thomas Ruzive.

“All I can say is that he is playing very well. Billiat is a top player and I think it’s quite remarkable for him considering he had not played football for a long time before his return from South Africa.

“It’s easy to see that he is working very hard. He is a kind of player who is always doing extras to take his game to a new level. Despite his extensive exposure, he is still humble and willing to learn and I hope he will continue in that path and the youngsters learn from him,” said Ruzive.

Billiat will have to find a new combination following the departure of King Nadolo, who he had struck a telepathic understanding with before he was snatched by ambitious division One outfit Scottland. Nadolo was instrumental in most of the goals scored by the diminutive former Zimbabwe international.

As a result, Yadah, who also boast exciting talents like Blessed Ndereki, Mandlenkosi Mlilo, Jerry Chipangura, Marvellous Ferenando, Marlon Mushonga and former Warriors forward Evans Rusike, have collected 11 points out of a possible 15 in their last five games.

The team has been impressive all-round after scoring eight goals and conceding three times in the last five games.
But of late, Simba Bhora have been the most impressive team in the league, especially at Wadzanayi where they have not lost a game since the start of the season. Ndiraya’s pre-season big spenders have a strong home record after playing 10 games without tasting defeat in front of their home fans.

They have been virtually unbeatable on home turf with giants Dynamos and Highlanders and defending league champions Ngezi Platinum Stars among their seven victims in Shamva this season.

The team’s recent form earned their gaffer, Ndiraya, Coach of the Month for July. Ndiraya led his side on a fine run that included three wins against Manica Diamonds, Hwange and giants Highlanders, while settling for a crucial away point against GreenFuel during the month under review.

The Shamva side is currently sitting second on the log standings with 40 points from 21 outings. They are just two points behind log leaders FC Platinum.

Despite one of their key players Junior Makunike missing this afternoon’s clash because of yellow card suspensions, Simba Bhora have a strong outfit made out of players like Walter Musona, Vassilli Kawe, Harrison Masina, Billy Veremu, Gift Saunyama, Malvin Mkolo, Mthokozisi Msebe and Tymon Machope, who is also in the Golden Boot race with eight goals, one behind the pace setters Billiat and Manondo.

Fixtures:

Today: Herentals v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro), Chicken Inn v Manica Diamonds (Luveve), Ngezi Platinum Stars v GreenFuel (Baobab), Simba Bhora v Yadah (Wadzanayi)
Tomorrow: Bikita Minerals v Arenel (Sakubva), CAPS United v FC Platinum (Rufaro), Chegutu Pirates v Highlanders (Baobab), TelOne v Hwange (Bata), Bulawayo Chiefs v Dynamos (Barbourfields)