Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHAMPIONS Simba Bhora will begin the quest to defend their maiden Castle Lager Premiership title with a tough test against bogey side FC Platinum at Wadzanayi this afternoon.
The Shamva side, now under Joel Lupahla, had a solid preparation which included a massive investment in bolstering their squad as well as a pre-season training camp in South Africa.
Lupahla has almost a dozen new players that he is working with and will be hoping that his players gel fast especially coming up against a side that retained almost the core of its squad from last season.
The expectations in Shamva are high as Lupahla acknowledged on his appointment. Simba Bhora set the bar high last year when they won the championship under Tonderai Ndiraya, who has since moved to ambitious newboys Scottland.
“I know the expectations from the people of Shamva are very high. And I am very confident that myself, my staff and the playing personnel that we’ve assembled are going to bring smiles,” he said.
“Last season was very good for the club, they won the league title. So, we are coming here under pressure, of course to make sure that we maintain what the club achieved last season.
“It’s not going to be easy. And I’m hoping that the people of Shamva are going to accept me. They’re going to carry me on their shoulders,” said Luphahla.
Simba Bhora are expected to field a newlook side featuring the likes of Liberty Chakoroma, Donald Mudadi, Tonderai Mateyaunga, Blessed Ndereki, Carlos Makambira, Barnabas Mutuche, Trevor Mavhunga and exciting winger Tinotenda Meke who joined from Ngezi Platinum Stars.
These were coming in to replace about 14 players that helped the side win its maiden league championship last season.
FC Platinum have proved difficult opponents for Simba Bhora. Last season, the platinum miners were the only team that completed a double over the champions, including a 1-0 result at Wadzanayi.
But they lost some of their key players like Rainsome Pavari, Lawrence Mhlanga, Juan Mutudza and Panashe Mutimbanyoka.
Coach Norman Mapeza has moved to plug the holes by bringing Malawians Nickson Nyasulu, Precious Phiri and Vincent Nyanguli.
The former champions also signed local players Cory Black from Blanket Mine, Thubelihle Jubane from Sheasham, James Nguluve from GreenFuel and Claivert Tshuma from Hwange.
The Zvishavane-based side also unveiled a new sponsorship deal with FBC Holdings as they seek to reassert the dominance that saw them winning four league titles in a row few years back.
But Mapeza revealed he will not take Simba Bhora lightly, especially after watching them play against Dynamos in the season-opening Castle Challenge Cup last week.
“We are playing a very good team, we had an opportunity to watch them on Saturday against Dynamos.
“You can’t even tell the difference between the Simba of last season and this one, they are the same. From what I saw, they are an organised team that is very solid at the back and they keep possession.
“What is important now for us is the mentality, whereby we tell ourselves that we are going to do well, and that we do well. Now we need to gel as much as we can because the season is starting. If we go there and not get points, it will not determine the season,” said Mapeza.
Another exciting match is expected at Rufaro where TelOne take on hosts Herentals. Giants CAPS United will be away to GreenFuel while newboys Kwekwe United date Ngezi Platinum Stars at Bata.
Manica Diamonds will host Yadah at Sakubva, to complete the menu for today’s contests. Two matches will be played tomorrow as Dynamos host ZPC Kariba at Rufaro and Highlanders travelling to Baobab to meet Lloyd Mutasa’s new boys, MWOS.
Fixtures:
Today: Herentals v TelOne (Rufaro), Simba Bhora v FC Platinum (Wadzanai), Manica Diamonds v Yadah (Sakubva), Kwekwe United v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Bata), GreenFuel v CAPS United (GreenFuel Arena)
Tomorrow: Dynamos v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro), MWOS v Highlanders (Baobab)
