Simba Bhora begin major rebuild

SIMBA Bhora have embarked on a rebuilding exercise following the departure of several key players, announcing a raft of new signings as they prepare for the upcoming Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.

The Shamva-based side have added the Namibian trio of Levi Alfeus, McCartney Nawaseb and Kennedy Eib, along with Adrian Silla from GreenFuel and Claude Makopa from Manica Diamonds.

The arrivals come after Simba Bhora sold a number of influential players during the current transfer window, leaving newly appointed coach Mandla Mpofu with the task of assembling a competitive squad in a short space of time.

Mpofu, who replaced Joel Luphahla at the helm, remains confident the team will rise to the challenge.
Simba Bhora are in Botswana as part of their pre-season preparations.

Last season, the club held a two-week pre-season training camp in South Africa.

“I am much privileged to be part of Simba Bhora. It’s an honour joining this ambitious club. Remember, they have had success by winning the league before so that maybe places some pressure on me as a coach but l am happy to be here.

“This is our fourth week of preparation. We travelled to Botswana and all has gone well and l am happy with the progress so far. Everything is happening up and we hope to have a good season,” said Mpofu.

Former champions Simba Bhora have appealed for patience from their supporters following the rapid dismantling of the squad that finished third in last season’s title race, a process that has played out publicly just weeks before the new campaign kicks off.

In quick succession, the club confirmed the departures of Junior Makunike, Donald Mudadi and Boid Mutukure to newly promoted Hardrock.

They were followed by Emmanuel Ziocha, last season’s Soccer Star of the Year second runner-up, and striker Isaskar Gurirab, who both completed moves to champions, Scottland.

Five senior players have departed, strengthening two rival clubs, while Simba Bhora are left to reshape under mounting pressure.

The exits were compounded by the departure of coach Joel Luphahla, who guided the team to a third place finish before leaving at the end of the year to join FC Platinum.

His departure reopened a familiar chapter of transition for a club that has experienced frequent changes since its rise to the top flight.

Last season’s campaign continues to shape the club’s outlook.
Simba Bhora led the league for long stretches before the demands of the Caf Champions League exposed depth issues late in the season.

That experience now underpins belief that change need not derail ambition, while also highlighting the risks should the rebuild falter.

Despite the significant turnover, Simba Bhora continue to reinforce their squad, signalling the start of a new chapter for the Shamva based club as they seek to remain competitive in the coming season.