Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
SIMBA BHORA coach Joel Luphahla has paid tribute to his predecessor Tonderai Ndiraya for building a formidable defensive unit, which has been the bedrock upon which the reigning Castle Lager Premier Soccer champions have built their success.
Ndiraya led the Shamva-based outfit to an historic league championship last season with the gaffer also being rewarded with the Coach of the Year accolade.
But at the start of this year, Ndiraya could resist the lure of Scottland’s mega bucks deal and packed his bags to join the Premiership newboys. Luphahla, an ex-assistant at Dynamos has since replaced Ndiraya amid huge expectations in the gold mining town of Shamva.
Simba Bhora are eager to defend their historic championship title and are also bracing for their maiden dance on the CAF Champions League stage.
Luckily for Luphahla, his charges have had a decent start to their title defence, although they are two points behind pacesetters and debutant MWOS ahead of the Match-Day Four programme. Simba Bhora also boast a proud record as the PSL returns this weekend, after a FIFA international break. They are the only team yet to concede a goal after the opening three rounds of the 2025 championship marathon.
Simba Bhora will be out to preserve that record when they face bogey side Dynamos at Rufaro on Sunday.
It will be a clash between a team with the best defence and one with one of the worst strike force in the top-flight league.
DeMbare have scored just once – via an own goal – in at least 270 minutes of league action.
Similarly, Simba Bhora have also scored once, against Herentals, but unlike DeMbare, they are yet to concede. They played out goalless draws against former champions FC Platinum and ZPC Kariba in their opening two matches, before edging Herentals 1-0 at Wadzanayi on Match-Day Three.
It is a fair start to Simba Bhora’s title defence, as in football parlance, goals can only win you matches, but a water-tight defence can win you titles. However, Luphahla credits his predecessor Ndiraya for his team’s defensive prowess.
“In terms of our defence we are grateful to the coach who was here last season, my brother Ndiraya, because we inherited the back five from last season.
“So, I think that has been our advantage,” revealed Luphahla.
Soccer Star of the Year finalists Blessing “Bisto” Moyo, Webster Tafa, Warriors newboy Isheanesu Mauchi as well as Roland Kangadzi are still at Simba Bhora.
Ishmael Nyanhi, who is often used as a wingback is also still on the club’s books.
“We didn’t change much in that department (defence), we only brought in one addition Kelvin Gwao, who is yet to play.
“So effectively, the only change we had in that defence is the goalkeeper,” added Luphahla.
Giant goalkeeper Talbert Shumba who was the first choice last season is now at Scottland and has been replaced by former CAPS United skipper Tonderai Mateyaunga.
While Simba Bhora have so far been watertight at the back, their front line has been impotent. They have scored one goal in 270 minutes and their goal ratio per match stands at a paltry 0.3.
“We are not really happy in terms of our return rate upfront. But we are still trying to work as a team because scoring is not only for strikers, it is for the whole team.
“It is for defenders, the midfielders and the offensive players to work hard so that we can get the goals. But after all, goals can win you games but the defence can win you titles.”
Simba Bhora’s top scorer in 2024, Tymon Machope, has also moved to Scottland where he was joined by creative players including reigning Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona and Mtokhozisi Msebe. Musona scored 10 goals and provided several assists. Machope was replaced at Simba Bhora by former CAPS United star striker William Manondo who is yet to get off the blocks.
Namibian striker, Isakar Guribab, also arrived at the champions while forceful striker Harrison Masina is also still in Shamva.
Fixtures:
Tomorrow: TelOne v CAPS United (Ascot), Bikita Minerals v GreenFuel (Sakubva), Yadah v Kwekwe United (Heart), FC Platinum v MWOS (Mandava), ZPC Kariba v Chicken Inn (Nyamhunga), Herentals v Manica Diamonds (Rufaro)
Sunday: Highlanders v Scottland (Barbourfields), Dynamos v Simba Bhora (Rufaro)
