Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
LOG leaders Simba Bhora might be feeling the pressure from the chasing pack, especially resurgent Scottland, but their star player Emmanuel Ziocha believes the Shamva side have the pedigree to fend off the challenge, and go on to defend their title.
Simba Bhora lead the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League race with 47 points, one ahead of Scottland, going into Match Day 25.
Former log leaders MWOS are third with 42 points, two better than FC Platinum who complete the top four.
Scottland could eclipse Simba Bhora if they beat ZPC Kariba on Friday, a day before Go Buju Go take on MWOS in a high stakes clash at Ngoni in Norton.
The match between MWOS and Simba Bhora has already been billed as the Game of the Week.
MWOS will close the gap between them and Simba Bhora to just two points if they win, while the defending champions will stretch their lead at the top, if they stun The Punters.
Ziocha, who has been the leading light at Simba Bhora, has rallied his teammates to prove why they are the defending champions.
Go Buju Go made history when they won the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title, becoming the first side from Mashonaland Central to achieve that feat.
“It’s not going to be easy against MWOS especially at Ngoni, but as defending champions we have to prove our mettle,” said the 24-year-old Ziocha.
The Mbare born star is already a huge favourite to clinch a place on this year’s Soccer Star of the Year calendar.
Ziocha has been involved in 17 of Simba Bhora’s 29 goals thus far.
He has 14 assists and three goals.
The 24-year-old joined Simba Bhora from Dynamos at the beginning of the year and has already proved why they valued him so much in Shamva when coach Joel Lupahla lured him from DeMbare.
“I am definitely happy for contributing those figures,” said Ziocha, who draws some inspiration from the late George Shaya, winner of a record five Soccer Star of the Year awards.
Ziocha was raised in Mbare, in the same street in which the legendary Shaya was also raised.
“That inspires me a lot because as we were growing up we always heard or read about the great Shaya.
“I think it’s not just a mere coincidence that I was also raised in the same street with this legend. May his soul rest in peace.
Ziocha is also looking forward to a maiden dance in the CAF Champions League, which kicks off next month.
Simba Bhora will face Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini in the preliminary round.
The Zimbabwean champions will host the first leg between September 19 and 22, with the return leg scheduled for the following week.
For Ziocha, the Champions League is a platform for him to showcase his talent on the international stage.
“Soon, we will be playing in the CAF Champions League and we would want to also test ourselves using these kinds of huge games like the one against MWOS.
“We know it’s difficult to win at Ngoni but we have to lift our heads high and show our true colours,” said Ziocha.
The return leg ended goalless at Wadzanai back in June.
