Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
PREMIER Soccer League champions, Simba Bhora, will be honoured for their contribution to football development at the Zim Community Trailblazers Awards set for the Harare International Conference Centre this evening.
The Shamva-based side made history when they became the first team from the mining town and from Mashonaland Central province to win domestic club football’s biggest prize.
Simba Bhora, who are owned by Shamva-bred businessman Simba “Buju” Ndoro, will represent Zimbabwe in the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League, which kicks off in August.
Before they plunge into their maiden dance with continental football, Simba Bhora would have begun their domestic title defence when the Premiership season starts in March.
But tonight, they will be honoured for the impact they have made in Shamva and Mashonaland Central at large.
“We are honouring Simba Bhora for the great work they have done.
“They have added value to the communities, in terms of football development,” said Albert Masaka, Zim Community Trailblazers Awards organiser.
“They are a team from a small town, but they are doing big things.
“From humble settings in Shamva, Simba Bhora will represent Zimbabwe in the African Champions League.
“Many people underrate teams from the small towns, but Simba Bhora defied the odds.”
The annual awards are held to recognise individuals and organisations making an impact in their communities.
Simba Bhora are, however, currently in Polokwane, South Africa, for a pre-season training camp.
They now have a new coach, Joel Lupahla, following the departure of Tonderai Ndiraya, who is now at Scottland.
Cash-rich Scottland also invaded the Simba Bhora dressing room, prising away key players who include Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, Tymon Machope, and Tichaona Chipunza.
Veteran keeper Talbert Shumba, Mthokozisi Msebe, and Vassili Kawe are also now at Scottland.
The likes of Partson Jaure, Taimon Mvula, Valentine Musarurwa, Simbarashe Maramwidze, Perfect Chikwende, and Talent Chawapiwa.
Former Dynamos and Highlanders assistant coach Lupahla is the man tasked with putting the pieces together for Simba Bhora, who are also building a squad for the Champions League.
Luphahla has made some notable signings, including 2023 Soccer Star of the Year runner-up Donald Mudadi who joined from Dynamos and former CAPS United goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga.
Highly-rated central midfielder Blessed Ndereki, former Dynamos attacking linkman Emmanuel Ziocha, Tinotenda Meke, Never Tigere, Carlos Mavhurume, Trevor Mavhunga, Kelvin Gwao, and Liberty Chakoroma have also joined Simba Bhora.
Former Chicken Inn striker Malvin Hwata and exciting winger Carlos Makambira are also now on the books of Simba Bhora.
“Almost all the players we acquired are here, but as a coach you are never satisfied, so we will see where we need to strengthen,” Lupahla told Zimpapers Sports Hub from Polokwane yesterday.
Simba Bhora drew 1-1 against Baroka in a practice match on Wednesday.
Mateyaunga, Gwao, Mavhurume, Chakoroma, Meke, Hwata, and Makambira took part in that practice match.
“We are moving, but it’s not easy,” says Lupahla.
“We are trying our best. It takes time; remember we lost a number of players, and we also brought in a lot of players from different clubs.
“Players who are here are coming from different backgrounds; they were coached differently, with a different philosophy.
“So, we are using this camp to have some bonding so that when we leave here, we will be a different group.
“We have the Challenge Cup against Dynamos coming soon, and we hope by then we will be in a better state,” added Lupahla.
Simba Bhora and Dynamos will clash in the Castle Challenge Cup at Rufaro on February 22.
The Castle Challenge Cup features winners of the league and the Chibuku Super Cup.
DeMbare retained the Chibuku Super Cup after beating Ngezi Platinum Stars 4-2 on penalties at Rufaro last November.
