Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga in Shamva
Simba Bhora 1, Dynamos 0
IF this is what champions are made of, then Simba Bhora might just be crafting another chapter in Zimbabwean football history.
They’ve turned Wadzanai Stadium into a fortress, grinding out results when it matters most, and Saturday was no different.
Heading into Matchday 21, Simba Bhora knew exactly what was at stake: win, and keep the dream of defending their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League crown alive.
And with just five minutes left on the clock, it was Blessing Makunike who struck gold. His cross deceived everyone, including Dynamos goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa, and rolled straight into the net to seal a vital three points.
News had filtered in that FC Platinum had beaten MWOS 2-0, meaning Simba needed to hold firm. The win sees them open a three point gap at the top of the table.
Coach Joel Luphala, who opted to stay grounded despite the win, admitted the lead offers some relief, but also comes with pressure.
“We want to focus on our own race and shut out the noise from other clubs,” said Luphala.
“Now that we’re on top, it gives us pressure because we’re the defending champions, but again, it gives us a breathing space.”
Simba Bhora had gone into the weekend tied on 40 points with MWOS, knowing a slip up against Dynamos could be costly if the newcomers had won at home.
But with MWOS falling to FC Platinum, the door swung open.
Simba Bhora started the match on the front foot, forcing Tafiremutsa into action early on and winning two corners inside the opening two minutes.
Dynamos held firm and began to settle, though they were forced into an early change when Brandon Jeremani limped off and was replaced by Keith Madera. His introduction gave coach Saul Chaminuka a bit more presence up top, supporting lone striker Frank Agyemang.
Still, the visitors couldn’t find the net.
Right on the stroke of half-time, controversy struck when referee Arnold Ncube whistled for a foul on Simba Bhora defender Isheanesu Mauchi after a collision with Agyemang. Dynamos were incensed, claiming Mauchi was the last man.
In the second half, Dynamos looked more composed and controlled large spells, but their decision making in the final third let them down.
With 20 minutes to go, Luphala threw on Never Tigere to add some spark, and suddenly the tempo shifted.
Then came the moment that decided it all: Makunike swung in a cross, and as Tafiremutsa anticipated a Gurirab touch, the ball floated untouched into the net.
Luphala praised his players for a “hard won victory.”
“It was a tough game and we knew Dynamos wouldn’t make it easy for us,” he said.
“They played some good football. Just because things aren’t going well for them doesn’t mean they’re a bad side. They gave us a good run for our money.
“I’m happy we managed to grab the points at home, that’s the most important thing.”
For Dynamos, the pressure continues to mount. Coach Chaminuka pointed fingers at the match officials.
“We end up being seen as bad losers,” he said. “I think we could’ve won the game, but there seem to be forces behind. That foul towards the end of the first half was the turning point.”
