Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
SIMBA BHORA are poised to make history as they step onto the continental stage for the very first time. The Shamva-based side will face Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs this Sunday in Francistown, Botswana, in the first leg of their Caf Champions League preliminary round tie. This isn’t merely a football match; it’s a landmark moment for the club, its community, and for the broader narrative of Zimbabwean football.
Simba Bhora’s journey to this point has been nothing short of meteoric. In only their second season in the top flight last year, they defied expectations to clinch the domestic championship with two games to spare. Their stunning triumph saw them join a rare and elite list of clubs — St Paul’s Musami, Ngezi Platinum, and FC Platinum — as the only teams outside of Zimbabwe’s two major cities, Harare and Bulawayo, to win the league title. The club also holds the unique distinction of being the first from Mashonaland Central Province to lift the national trophy, carving its name into the country’s footballing annals.
Now, they stand on the cusp of more history. This marks Simba Bhora’s maiden appearance in the Caf Champions League, and head coach Joel Luphahla is determined to ensure this milestone is marked by success. “The boys are trying their best and we want to try and bring smiles on the nation because we know the country will be rooting for us,” said Luphahla, acknowledging the weight of national expectation on his team’s shoulders.
Despite having limited knowledge about their opponents, Nsingizini Hotspurs, the technical team remains confident. “I cannot say I know them fully, but I have seen glimpses of their matches that were played last week so we have a bit of an idea of how they play,” said Luphahla.
The team’s first training session was held in Francistown on Thursday evening, following their arrival on Wednesday. A critical aspect of this campaign is that, despite being the designated home side, Simba Bhora will play this crucial tie across the border at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. This is due to the fact that while some Zimbabwean stadiums have received recent Caf certification, there are currently no venues in the country that meet the necessary standards for the Caf Champions League. This is a situation that Luphahla says will not distract his team from their objective.
“The goal for us is to make sure that we do well in the first round and we take it from there. The boys are showing confidence and I believe they will rise to the occasion,” he said.
The second leg of the preliminary round tie is scheduled for next week at Somhlolo Stadium in Eswatini. Should Simba Bhora advance, they will face a huge test against Tanzanian giants Simba SC in the next round — a clash that could further elevate their continental ambitions.
The team’s charge is expected to be led by key players such as defensive rock Ishe Mauchi, goalkeeper William Thole, midfield engine Butholezwe Ncube, and experienced campaigners like Blessing Moyo, Donald Mudadi, Junior Makunike, Never Tigere, and McKinnon Mushore.
