malvernmugadzikwa
… as the Shamva side bullies the market
NEW: Online Reporter
AFTER a hectic transfer season that saw them announcing at least 10 new signings at the beginning of the week, boisterous Simba Bhora are now home to three former national team goalkeepers.
Apart from 2022 Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, Perfect Chikwende and Junior Makunike, Simba Bhora also announced the arrival of veteran keepers Taimon Mvula and Talbert Shumba to a squad which already included another former Warriors goalie Simba Chinani.
The Shamva outfit has also signed Malvin Mkolo and Billy Veremu from Bulawayo Chiefs, Wilson Mensah (Triangle), Gift Saunyama (Black Rhinos) and FC Hunters striker Harrison Masina who won the 2023 Eastern Region Division One Soccer League Golden Boot.
A serious tussle for the number one jersey, featuring the ex-Warriors’ trio of Chinani, Mvula and Shumba is now in the offing at Simba Bhora, who have made clear their intentions of winning the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.
However, Chinani, who played for the Warriors at the 2021 CHAN finals held in Cameroon, thinks the competition will be healthy for both the team and the individual players.
“I think this year will be interesting. There are going to be fireworks and I believe it could be the year that my name will take over.
“With God everything is possible,” the 28-year-old Chinani, who kept 13 clean sheets for Simba Bhora last season, told The Sunday Mail Sport.
Chinani thinks the arrival of both Mvula and Shumba will push him to perform better.
“The goal is for the team to do well this season, but as individuals we also have our own targets.
“So, I would like to believe that I still have a chance to bounce back as the Warriors goalkeeper,” he said.
Mvula is a former Hwange and Dynamos player who featured for the Warriors during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers while Shumba was part of the national squad at the 2022 AFCON finals held in Cameroon.
Simba Bhora’s new signings have set tongues wagging, with some already installing them amongst the favourites for the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League championship.
The Shamva based side, who are owned by gold dealer Simba Ndoro, are one of the most financially stable outfits in the Premier Soccer League.
Football enthusiast and renowned car dealer Brighton Ushendibaba is also a director at Simba Bhora and is seen as the secret force behind the club’s stability.
“This time the club means business and a lot has been invested. One of the key people behind the scenes is Ushendibaba, who has been with the club as one of the directors for a long time now,” said a source within the club.
Online Reporter