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Veronica Gwaze-Sports Reporter
HIS surname is “Shumba” which translates to lion and he carries both the name and totem like a badge of honour every time he walks onto the park.
In fact, had Simba Bhora’s “first choice” goalkeeper Talbert Shumba listened to his fears, he would not be at the cusp of celebrating his first ever Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Championship.
Or, at the very least, the prospect of a first title. After all, it is not a done deal yet.
The towering goalie got an offer to join the Shamva-based side at the same time that former Dynamos star Tymon Mvula also came onboard.
Shumba and Mvula were to join Simbarashe Chinani who was with the team from last season.
This meant that weekly each one of the renowned goal minders had to fight for a spot on the starting line-up.
There was also a lot of talk from football enthusiasts who questioned the move by Simba to have such talent in one camp.
Resultantly, for some time, a part of Shumba was against joining Simba.
However, he later shrugged off his fears and decided to take the risk.
“When I got the offer, my first instinct was not to take it because rumours were already making rounds of the big names that were joining the team,” he said.
“I knew they had Chinani and that Mvula was coming.
“I almost declined the offer but something made me view the situation differently so I told myself that as a senior player it was a time to test myself and see what I can still do.”
The 34-year-old shot-stopper, who has had successful stints with several PSL clubs and beyond borders has proved to be unshakable within the Simba Bhora camp.
So far, he has played 19 out of the team’s 30 league games and boasts of 11 clean sheets.
He also guarded the goals in their three Chibuku Super Cup matches and came out with two clean sheets.
With his team standing high chances of clinching the championship title, Shumba has his family to thank for giving the confidence he needed to put pen to paper at Simba.
“They assured me that terrain was always going to be difficult and that the good thing was that I was aware of the situation I was getting into,” said Shumba.
“I then told myself that there is no easy situation in football, I have played at higher levels before so it is an indication that I can make it at Simba.
“I said I would not pressure myself, all I was to do was to apply myself in the best possible manner in any situation and let the coaches have the decision.”
Shumba has been instrumental in the team maintaining pole position for weeks.
With 60 points in 30 games, they are six points clear of FC Platinum in the two-horse-race.
Statistically the platinum miners still stand a good chance to snatch the top position but based on both sides’ current form, it will be a huge task for Norman Mapeza.
Tomorrow they play giants Caps United at their fortress, Wadzanai.
A win against the green machine means that they maintain a six point- cushion on top of the log, provided FC Platinum also win against Dynamos at Rufaro on Sunday.
If Mapeza’s men draw or lose, Simba will inch closer to the championship.
“The journey has not been easy, as a player you have to put in extra hours to stay on top of your game in situations like these,” he said.
“When season started, the coaches were clear on how we were going to work or rotate and I am happy I have been able to rise above the competition.
“I set myself targets when the journey started and looking at my statistics right now, I must admit that it comes with a bit of surprise.”
However, he understands that he also has his defenders to thank for his clean sheets.
Simba is one of the teams with solid defense which boasts of Webster Tafa, Tichaona Chipunza, Blessing Moyo and Isheanesu Mauchi.
The quartet has become known for providing a defensive shield when the team is on the back foot and for providing long-range passes whenever the team is on the attack.
“Clean sheets are a collective effort of the Goalkeeper and the defenders so I give them all the respect,” he said.
“I am 34 and still haven’t won the championship so this is something that I am looking forward to and all I have been telling myself and mates is to maintain focus up to the end.
“The title will also mean a lot to the Shamva community.”
Online Reporter