Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
AS Zimbabwean champions Simba Bhora prepare for their first-ever Caf Champions League match this evening, the club is embracing the occasion as a valuable learning experience while aiming to make a strong impression on the continental stage.
Simba Bhora are set to face Nsingizini Hotspurs this Sunday at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana, in the first leg of the Caf Champions League preliminary round.
Though technically the home team, the Shamva-based outfit will play across the border due to the absence of a Caf-certified stadium in Zimbabwe.
Secretary General Taurayi Janhi says the team is approaching the tie against Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs with a blend of excitement, realism and ambition.
“In truth, l would say it’s a case of mixed feelings for us as a club. There is an element of excitement and also the uncertainty as we don’t know what to expect. At the same time, we are confident we can get a positive result. For us really, this is more of a learning curve. We are making baby steps in this African Elite competition. The most important thing would be for us to ensure we retain the local league title so that we are back again in this competition in the next edition having picked lessons from our maiden appearance,” said Janhi.
This match marks a defining moment for Simba Bhora, who only gained promotion to the Premier Soccer League two seasons ago and went on to clinch the championship with two games to spare. Their rapid rise through the ranks has now led them to Africa’s premier club competition a reward for both on-field excellence and off-field vision.
In winning the domestic title, Simba Bhora joined the elite group of Zimbabwean teams outside Harare and Bulawayo to be crowned champions following in the footsteps of St Paul’s Musami, Ngezi Platinum and FC Platinum. More notably, they became the first team from Mashonaland Central Province to achieve the feat, a historic milestone that brought national attention to their remarkable journey.
Now, the club hopes to build on that momentum as they enter uncharted waters in continental foot-ball. While the occasion is massive, Janhi stressed that it also carries responsibility not just to win but to represent.
“We know the weight of the badge we carry, not just for our club but for the people of Shamva and Zimbabwe as a whole. We might be new to this stage but we are not here to be overwhelmed. Every step we take is a step for our community and our future.”
The squad, which arrived in Botswana on Wednesday and began training on Thursday, will be led by several experienced campaigners.
Should Simba Bhora progress past Nsingizini Hotspurs, a blockbuster second-round tie against Tanzanian giants Simba SC awaits a potential clash that could elevate the club’s continental profile even further.
