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 is confident the Shamva side have the pedigree to fend off the challenge and successfully defend their Premiership title.
Simba Bhora narrowly lead the championship race with 47 points, just 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 today, a day before the champions face 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 and over the Punters, should they become only the second side after FC Platinum to win in Norton.
Ziocha, who has been the leading light at Simba Bhora, has rallied his teammates to prove why they are the defending champions.
“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 among the favourites for inclusion on the Castle Soccer Stars 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.
Having joined Simba Bhora from Dynamos at the beginning of the year, Ziocha 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 also grew up.
“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 Zimbabweans 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.
Both sides featured in a goalless tie in the reverse fixture at Wadzanai in June.
