Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
SIMBA Bhora midfielder Emmanuel Ziocha cannot wait for his CAF Champions League debut when they face Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs on Sunday.
Simba Bhora will be hosting their matches in Botswana due to lack of a CAF approved stadium in the country.
Ziocha has continental experience after playing in the CAF Confederation Cup last season with Dynamos.
His 18-goal contributions, 14 assist and four goals this season, makes him one of the most outstanding players locally.
As Simba Bhora venture into unfamiliar territory, in the preliminary stage of the competition, Ziocha is optimistic they will make an impact.
“My focus is always on helping the team and grinding out positive results. But the champions league is a different challenge altogether,” said Ziocha.
“We are venturing into new territory, we have to approach everything in a cautious way. But for me everything remains the same.
“I was using my local games to try to push myself up to the limit in preparation of the continental games which I believe have been working.”
Ziocha said as a club they are banking on unity.
“The good thing is this is a collective effort from all the guys here at the club. We are looking forward to having a team effort and pushing ourselves to the next round of matches.
“Without working hard this can only be a dream that won’t materialise. We need to put in the work, for the results to come,” he said.
Simba Bhora are fighting on two fronts, CAF and defending the Castle Lager Premiership title. Currently they are sitting at the summit of the log standings with 54 points, two above second placed Scottland.
Ziocha believes they are not going to entirely focus on CAF champions league, but give all in the league as well.
“It will be a new challenge, to fight on two fronts. But as a team we are going to give our best in all the games.
“The league is a possibility, we have to keep on working. We are avoiding giving our pressure ourselves rather we are focusing on every game as it comes.
“The league is unpredictable, every match demands a different approach. But what drives me is the squad’s collective hunger. The dedication from every player is unreal, and it shows in our performances,” said Ziocha.
Simba Bhora are set to leave Zimbabwe for Botswana on Wednesday ahead of their crunch tie on Sunday at Francistown Stadium.
