Simba Bhora's Continental ambitions face immediate...

Simba Bhora's Continental ambitions face immediate domestic hurdles

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

Zimbabwean champions Simba Bhora are on the cusp of an historic continental debut in the CAF Champions League, but their immediate focus remains on their domestic title defense following a recent cup exit. The club, based in Shamva, is set to face Eswatini's Nsingizini Hotspurs in the preliminary round, a draw that coach Joel Luphahla views with optimism.

Luphahla expressed satisfaction with the draw, highlighting the familiarity of playing a team from the COSAFA region. "It's good for us because we've been drawn with a team from the southern region," he said, noting that the styles of play are similar. He also pointed to a key advantage for his team: fitness. With the Eswatini league either not yet started or in its early stages, Simba Bhora, who have been competing for eight months, hold a clear physical edge.

Adding to their strategic advantage is the recent acquisition of Nomore Tsabora, a left-back who played for Nsingizini Hotspurs last season and helped them win the league. Luphahla hopes to leverage Tsabora's inside knowledge to gain crucial information about their opponents. The club's management has set a clear goal of reaching the lucrative group stages, a target the coach believes is achievable. "We are living our dream," he stated.

Despite the excitement surrounding their Champions League debut, Simba Bhora face an immediate and pressing challenge on the domestic front. The team was recently eliminated from the Chibuku Super Cup, losing 4-3 on penalties to Dynamos after a 1-1 draw. The late equalizer they conceded in the 82nd minute highlights a vulnerability they must address.

With just ten matches remaining in the league, Simba Bhora currently lead the title race. However, their position is precarious. They must travel to third-placed MWOS on Saturday in a crucial match. A win is imperative, as a victory for second-placed Scottland, who are just one point behind, could see Simba Bhora drop to second place before their game even kicks off.

Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matchday 25 fixtures

Friday: Scottland v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro).

Saturday: Chicken Inn v Manica Diamonds (Luveve), MWOS v Simba Bhora (Ngoni), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Bikita Minerals (Baobab), GreenFuel v Herentals (GreenFuel Arena).

Sunday: Caps United v Yadah (Rufaro), Triangle v FC Platinum (Gibbo), Highlanders v TelOne (Barbourfields), Kwekwe United v Dynamos (Ascot).