Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
BRUISED Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Simba Bhora cannot afford a rest during the FIFA break as they travel to Gibbo tomorrow to face Triangle in a rescheduled match that could have a huge bearing on their bid to defend their title.
The Shamva side have had to play catch-up in the title race and have been finding it difficult to adjust after they were toppled from the summit by championship title Scotland, who took advantage of their absence during the two weeks when Simba Bhora were involved in the CAF Champions League.
However, their maiden campaign in Africa ended in disappointment following the defeat to fellow minnows Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini in the preliminary round.
Under the weight of pressure to redeem themselves, Simba Bhora suffered an unexpected 0-1 home defeat to struggling giants CAPS United when they returned last week, gifting Scottland a four-point advantage at the top.
This means Simba Bhora would still be trailing even if they put their act together and beat Triangle tomorrow in the outstanding fixture.
But their coach Joel Luphahla is not giving up the fight.
“There is a lot to play for,” he said.
Simba Bhora sit on 55 points, compared to Scottland’s 59, albeit with a game in hand.
“There are five games left and that’s 15 points to play for and I am hoping that we are going to come good and win our game in Triangle, which is not easy of course.
“If we go there and get three points it means we are back in contention because we will be one point away from the top team. But playing catch-up is always difficult.
“I haven’t been in this situation before but I am trying to use maybe my playing days’ experience to make sure that we help these boys. But at the end of the day playing and coaching are two different things.
“We are learning, we are gaining experience and we hope that disappointments are part of the learning and I hope we are going to do well,” said Luphahla.
But they should not expect a stroll in the park at Gibbo. Triangle are fighting for survival in contrast to Simba Bhora’s title aspirations.
The two sides, have however, experienced contrasting fortunes of late.
While Simba Bhora are win-less in their last three games, Triangle were unbeaten in the same period to boost hopes of surviving relegation.
Triangle coach Genesis Mangombe emphasised the importance of collecting maximum points at home.
“I think it’s a very important match for us since we are in a precarious position and we need to come out of relegation,” said Mangombe.
“So we are going to make use of our home advantage. Of late the team has been doing very well because out of 18 games we have only lost one game away, which means we have a lot of positives.
“For us to be here, we are consolidating on the positives we have and also now we are working on our shortfalls, which I think there are now few as compared to the first time when I started taking on this side.”
Triangle have done well at Gibbo where teams at the top such as Scottland, Ngezi Platinum Stars, FC Platinum and MWOS failed to win.
“The boys on a good day can deliver and they can do anything to upset these big teams and these title contenders.
“So, we are doing our best and at the moment we will try our level best to make sure that if the game is difficult for us we are not at the losing end. To come out of the relegation we no longer need to lose games.
“We are playing a very good side, technically gifted and also with skilful youngsters. But we will try and do our best to upset them,” said Mangombe.
