Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE soccer kings Simba Bhora have not left anything to chance in their quest to advance in the CAF Champions League competition.
The Shamva outfit arrived in Mbabane, Eswatini, yesterday for the second leg of their preliminary round tie against Nsingizini Hotspurs on Sunday.
Simba Bhora carry a slender 1-0 advantage achieved on the back of Ishmael Nyanhi’s strike in the first leg at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana last Sunday.
Before Simba Bhora take to the field to face Hotspurs, they will be closely following events back home where they lead the Premiership log standings.
But the set-up at the summit could change hands this afternoon with Simba Bhora’s position on the log standings under threat from title rivals Scottland who play Manica Diamonds at Rufaro.
Due to their continental assignments, Simba Bhora’s domestic league fixture against Triangle, scheduled for this weekend was postponed.
Simba Bhora coach Joel Luphahla and his men are fighting to build a legacy in Zimbabwean football.
Until their trip to Eswatini, Simba Bhora had set up a temporary base in Francistown.
Club secretary Charles Nyatsine told Zimpapers Sports Hub that Simba Bhora are geared to keep both campaigns going.
“Yes, we admit it’s not going to be a stroll in the park,” he said.
“Our local opponents would want to capitalise on that but our technical team is making plans to curb that.
“We shall take each game as it comes and utilise the resources of players we registered this season and we hope for the best,” said Nyatsine.
With the support of a Botswana-based football-loving Zimbabwean businessman — Tendani Sebata — Simba Bhora decided to extend their camp in Gaborone to minimise travel time between Harare and Mbabane.
This has given Luphahla and his men time to fine-tune their act.
“After the Sunday game, the players rested at the hotel and left for Gaborone on Monday.
“We have a pool of players who are registered for CAF and we will have to manage the game time for each of the players.
“We also signed two new players for CAF (assignments) and still have a slot for three more players, which we can utilise if we manage to progress to the next round,” said Nyatsine.
Simba Bhora have a decent squad built around seasoned skipper Blessing Moyo, Webster Tafa, Junior Makunike, Emmanuel Ziocha and Donald Mudadi.
Veteran midfielder Never Tigere believes the Shamva side still has a lot of work in its hands ahead of the return leg at the Somhlolo Stadium in Mbabane on Sunday.
“The job isn’t done yet. We are still training hard every day because we are not yet through to the next round. I am appealing to those fans that are able to come and join us.
“We thank them deeply for what they did in the previous game. It was good support, and for us we would like to continue pushing until we win this game,” said Tigere.
ZIFA have also lent their voice of support as Simba Bhora plunge into battle as Zimbabwe’s representatives in the continental inter-club competitions.
The association’s president Nqobile Magwizi, who also congratulated the club for winning the first leg, under-scored the significance of Simba Bhora’s participation in the Champions League.
“This achievement is more than just a win on the pitch, it is a proud moment for our country, as Simba Bhora flies the Zimbabwean flag high in continental football,” Magwizi said.
“As the decisive return leg approaches this Sunday, ZIFA wishes to reaffirm its unwavering support for the team.
“Every Zimbabwean is united in rallying behind you, urging you on to secure qualification into the next round.
“The association believes that with focus, determination, and collective spirit, Simba Bhora will once again rise to the occasion.”
Magwizi said Simba Bhora’s success bodes well with ZIFA’s vision.
“On a personal note, as president of ZIFA, I wish to commend the players, technical team, and leadership of Simba Bhora for their resilience and commitment.
“Your journey inspires countless young footballers across our nation and strengthens the vision we have for the future of our game. Play with courage, play with pride, and know that you carry the hopes of a nation with you,” said Magwizi.
