Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League defending champions have permanently acquired the services of seasoned striker William Manondo from Caps United days before their Castle Challenge Cup match against Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday.
The predatory player became one of the many signings by Simba Bhora ahead of the start of the 2025 season.
Before they engaged in their pre-season training in neighbouring South Africa, Simba Bhora had already snapped several stars that include Tonderai Mateyaunga, Carlos Mavhurume, Kelvin Gwao, Liberty Chakaroma, Trevor Mavhunga, Donald Mudadi and Never Tigere.
“To the esteemed director, loyal fans and the entire Caps United FC Family, as I bid farewell to this incredible institution, I’m filled with immense gratitude and joy. Caps United has been my home, my sanctuary and my catalyst for growth. To the fans, your love and support have been the wind beneath my wings.
“Your energy, enthusiasm and kindness have made every match a memorable experience. I extend my deepest appreciation to our club president Farai Jere and head coach Lloyd Chitembwe for believing in me and granting me the opportunity to spread my wings elsewhere. Your blessings mean the world to me. Thank you CAPS United Family,” wrote Manondo on his Facebook wall.
Simba Bhora head coach Joel Luphahla says his team will adopt a cautious approach when they face Dynamos in the Castle Challenge Cup final.
The match will serve as the season opener for the 2025 campaign.
Luphahla recently took over the reins at the defending champions from Tonderai Ndiraya who is now with equally free-spending Scottland FC.
Simba Bhora have lost several key players who were instrumental in their maiden championship title.
Among those who have departed are reigning Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona and Soccer Star of the Year finalist Tymon Machope.
The Shamva-based side also saw midfielder Tichaona Chipunza and attacking midfielder Mtokhozisi Msebe pack their bags.
Their game against DeMbare is set to kick off at 2.30pm.
Meanwhile, Simba Bhora are proving to be a sponsorship magnet in the Premiership after sealing yet another deal worth US$500 000 for the upcoming season from Surge Energy Drink.
The one-year marriage, which will see Simba Bhora carrying their new sponsors’ logo on the front of their shirts, would be stretched beyond the 2025 term if the partners see it fit to do so.
Surge Energy Drink are coming in as a direct replacement of the Shamva club’s main sponsors for the 2024 season, Pacific Storm, who have now stepped aside.
Club president Simba Ndoro said the new deal will help complement the sponsors who are already on board and will boost the team in their quest to defend the league title.
The financial injection will also go a long way in cushioning the Luphahla-coached team when they plunge into the Caf Champions League.
“I am very happy to see Surge Energy Drink coming on board to sponsor Simba Bhora. I am very humbled by this gesture and I am sure it will help us as a team in a long way. Look, we are an ambitious team fighting for the right to be counted. We have won the league and it needs to be defended. We failed to win the Chibuku Super Cup and we need to try and win it. We will be fighting to make an impact in Africa when we represent the country in the Caf Champions League,” said Ndoro.
Luphahla has hailed his ensemble for their flexibility and positivity ahead of their first game on Saturday.
“This is a new team altogether, we have been working on a number of combinations and I am happy with the way these boys have gelled. I am particularly happy that we don’t have individual stars here,” said Luphahla. —@Fungai Muderere
