Scottland ready for Simba Bhora

Tonderai Ndiraya

Tadious Manyepo

Zimpapers Sports Hub

TONDERAI NDIRAYA has acknowledged that the size of the task before him and his Scottland charges at Wadzanai this afternoon could be the biggest yet this season.

Scottland travel to Shamva for a date against log leaders Simba Bhora in a potential Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title decider.

Ndiraya’s men are aware that victory will see them shoot to the top of the standings.

It is Ndiraya, who masterminded the championship victory for Simba Bhora last year before he was lured to newcomers Scottland taking with him star players from Shamva who include skipper Walter Musona, Vassili Kawe, Tymon Machope and big goalkeeper Talbert Shumba.

Just two points off the pace with 52 points in 27 games, Ndiraya and some of his stars make a return to a venue where they were hoisted as heroes last year and they know the atmosphere will not be kinder for them this time around.

Whoever wins today’s match could seize the initiative as the title race enters its home stretch.

There are six more games to play in the riveting championship battle.

And Ndiraya knows the impact and politics involved heading into the showdown.

“There is this feeling that this match is a title decider. In a way it is given what then it means for whoever wins it.

“We are treating it as the biggest game of our season given all the implications it has,” Ndiraya said.

“This is most definitely our biggest task for this season. Yes, we have played big games against big teams like CAPS United, Dynamos, Highlanders and Ngezi Platinum Stars but in terms of context this one against Simba Bhora is huge.”

Ndiraya said he doesn’t have an idea of what awaits him when he steps back on the very dugout where he was treated as a cult hero last year.

“What I can only say is that Shamva is like home for me.

“The people there and the fans are very lovely. We built a very good relationship back in 2023-2024 seasons.

“The atmosphere was always electric and I am not expecting any less.

“Obviously they will be rooting for their team which is Simba Bhora but we have some good mutual respect both between the Simba Bhora supporters and me as an individual as well as the two teams involved.

“At the end of the day, football should win,” Ndiraya said.

“I am definitely eager to lead the team to victory but believe you me, this is going to be the toughest game for both teams.”

The former Dynamos gaffer is well aware of the fact that he will make history this year if he manages to lead Scottland to the league podium.

He would have become the first coach to win the title for two successive seasons with two different teams.

He added: “That’s easier said than done. I am certainly aware of that but I am also certainly aware that it won’t be easy.

“Even if we win against Simba Bhora, there will still be loads of football to be played.

“There will be six more games to win and that’s a lot.”

Scottland beat Simba Bhora 2-1 in their reverse tie at Rufaro.

Meanwhile Herentals College will be eager to return to winning ways after losing their last two games against Scottland and Triangle.

The Students had, until three weeks ago, been well in the running for the league but they have fallen 13 points off the pace after dropping six points in consecutive matches.

And they will be out to redeem themselves against an erratic Green Machine side who are also not safe from the axe.

Herentals coach Paul Benza declared his charges ready for the challenge.

“We know CAPS United is a good team and they are one of the traditional giants in our country.

“But we are prepared for them. Our goal remains the same; to finish in the top four.”

Fixtures

Today

TelOne v MWOS (Ascot)

Chicken Inn v Kwekwe United (Luveve)

Manica Diamonds v Greenfuel (Sakubva)

Simba Bhora v Scottland (Wadzanayi)

Herentals v CAPS United (Rufaro)

ZPC Kariba v Ngezi Platinum (Nyamhunga)