Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga-Zimpapers Sports-Hub
NOW that they have had a taste of success and silverware, Shamva-based outfit Simba Bhora wants more.
The reigning Castle Lager Premiership champions look to have set their sights on next week’s Challenge Cup.
Simba Bhora recently embarked on a two-week pre-season training camp in South Africa as part of their preparations for the 2025 season.
After losing a host of players, together with their technical team, at the end of last season, the training camp in Pretoria has been described as the perfect tonic by the defending champions’ new coach, Joel Luphahla.
He feels that the camp played an important role in the team’s bonding as the club prepares for the 2025 season.
“The camp was very important, in the sense that we had new players that joined after an exodus, and a bonding exercise was a welcome development,” said Luphahla.
“Staying together for two weeks helped shape what is going to become of our season, and we are grateful to the Simba Bhora management for availing the funds at such a difficult time.
“Now I can sit at home and say, “I know my players individually” and also as a team.
“This is something we could not have had if we had not gone down south,” said the Simba Bhora coach.
The club has been one of the active clubs on the market during the ongoing transfer season as they seek to secure replacements for those who left.
Luphahla remains unsatisfied, though.
“I don’t think there is a coach who has ever been pleased and satisfied with a squad.
“However, we do try to make the most of the boys that we have.
“Now, I can say that the boys brought in are footballing people.
“The lads we found at the club are footballing people,” said the Simba Bhora coach.
Simba Bhora have so far secured the signatures of goalkeepers Tonderayi Mateyaunga (CAPS United) and First Gandisani (Bikita Minerals); defenders Carlos Mavhurume (Ngezi Platinum Stars) and Kelvin Gwao; midfielder Liberty Chakaroma (Manica Diamonds); and striker Malvin Hwata (Chicken Inn).
Additionally, Trevor Mavhunga (Manica Diamonds), Donald Mudadi (Dynamos), and Never Tigere (Ngezi Platinum) have also arrived at the club.
The Castle Lager defending champions will hope to begin their 2025 campaign on a positive note when they face Dynamos in a season opener Castle Challenge Cup at Rufaro.
Luphahla revealed that the club will be vying for their second piece of silverware in the Challenge Cup.
“I have spoken with the club president, and this is an important cup.
“You can simply tell from the conversations we have had that the club is taking this trophy very seriously.
“That alone gives one a little bit of pressure, but pressure is always good.
“It makes you work harder,” said Luphahla.
