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Bruce Chikuni Sports Reporter
WHEN Simba Bhora coach Tonderai Ndiraya went on massive player recruitment, his critics were quick to dismiss it as some penchant for going on spending sprees.
Ndiraya brought 11 players to the Shamva side for the 2024 season.
But the former Zimbabwe Under-23 coach has already begun to reap some rewards for his decision to invest in more players.
Simba Bhora have already bettered their start to the season with Ndiraya’s men improving on their performance from last season’s first seven fixtures.
In the same period in 2023, Simba Bhora had racked up eight points, but they have improved that figure by accumulating 13 points which reflects steady progress.
During the period under review, last season, Simba Bhora scored five times and conceded the same number of goals.
The impact of their mega signings has seen them registering nine times and letting in six goals in their first seven assignments.
Their 1-0 win over Dynamos at Wadzanayi off a fine goal by one of Ndiraya’s recruits Walter Musona underlined the strides Simba Bhora is making this season.
They currently sit second and a point behind leaders Highlanders (with 14 points) ahead of today’s fixtures in which they travel to Bikita Minerals at Sakubva.
And to underscore the massive changes that Ndiraya has made, only defender Webster “Jita’’ Chafa is the last man standing from the Simba Bhora side that featured in the opening seven games of 2023.
Tafa hailed Ndiraya for helping him to discover his potential.
“Last season we had a good team, but this year the quality is just better and as a club, we are showing growth every season.
“I feel very blessed for being afforded the chance to fight for my place and I want to thank coach, Ndiraya for my growth it means a lot to me and my family.
“We have our objectives, and in all fairness, we are still a small club, our priority is to maintain our PSL slot, and anything more besides this, will be a bonus for us,” said Tafa.
Where Simba Bhora lost rangy forward Tinashe Balakasi, who is now with Orapa United, they now have Musona whom Ndiraya has also entrusted with the captain’s armband.
Musona has repaid the faith with three goals so far this season.
His strike partner Taimon Machope has also shown great desire to fill in Balakasi’s shoes, weighing in with two goals.
So far, there is nothing certain about this ambitious club except that they will have a new top goal scorer at the end of the campaign.
Balakasi had been the recipient of this award at this team from their time in Division Two, Northern Region Division One Soccer League, and their debut season in the Premiership.
With Bikita Minerals having been somewhat impressive in their maiden season, as shown by their come-from-behind 2-2 draw against FC Platinum at Mandava, Simba Bhora has a tough assignment on their hands this af-ternoon.
They are also coming from another away task where they lost 1-0 to Bulawayo Chiefs at Luveve.
Online Reporter