Shamva’s showtime

Bruce Chikuni

IT’S probably the Game of the Season!

Maybe, it’s even the decider, in the riveting ZIFA Northern Region Division One race.

Simba Bhora versus Herentals Under-20.

Number one versus number two, whoever wins, should be the favourites for the crown.

The Young Students invade Shamva for the biggest match of their season at Wadzanai tomorrow.

Coach, Paul Benza, has labelled Simba Bhora’s fortress, a lion’s den.

The hosts are not known for giving away points at their fortress, but they lost the reverse fixture in Harare.

Only Richard Chunga’s Chegutu Pirates, did what other teams have failed – beating Simba Bhora at Wadzanai.

One Romark Investment director, Roy Makumbe, has pledged US$1 000 for each goal Simba Bhora score tomorrow.

Makumbe also made the same gesture when Simba drew 1-1 against Golden Eagles recently.

He has doubled the incentive for this weekend’s game.

The Shamva-based currently lead the league table with 60 points.

Herentals are just two points behind and have a game in hand.

Benza and Arthur Tutani are the only coaches who have bagged the league’s Coach of the Month accolade twice.

And, interestingly, Herentals’ goalkeeper, Nevermind Antonio, has made a huge statement in his bid to take home the Goalie of the Season award, by keeping 19 clean sheets.

Simba Bhora striker, Tinashe Balakasi, has banged in 26 goals and looks set to secure his first Golden Boot award.

Benza insisted that fans were guaranteed value for their money.

“Everything is going on well, and everyone is raring to go, save for a few players who are nursing minor injuries.

“We want to give our best performance, as we strive to do, in every game.

“Wadzanai is not a good place to visit, as teams that go there lose.

“Fans should expect an interesting match,” said Benza.

His Simba Bhora counterpart, Tutani, said it’s going to be a dog-eat-dog affair.

“A win will not be celebrated only in Shamva, but it will spark joy in the whole region of Mashonaland Central.

“It’s not easy because Herentals are not pushovers.

“We expect to play exciting football and hope for a positive result.

“We are going into the park to enjoy ourselves and entertain the fans without forgetting to throw in all we have for the badge,” said Tutani.