daniel chigunwe
Langton Nyakwenda
SIMBA Bhora will be honoured for their contribution to football development in the country at the Zim Community Trailblazers Awards set for the Harare International Conference Centre this evening.
The Shamva side made history when they became the first team from the mining town to win the top-flight league championship last season.
Simba Bhora will represent Zimbabwe in the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League, which gets underway in August.
“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, the 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 small towns but Simba Bhora have defied the odds.”
The annual awards are held to recognise and celebrate individuals and organisations making an impact in their communities.
Simba Bhora are in Polokwane, South Africa, for a pre-season camp.
They now have a new coach, Joel Lupahla, following the departure of Tonderai Ndiraya, who is now at Scottland.
Scottland are also home to a number of former Simba Bhora players including Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, Tymon Machope, Tichaona Chipunza, Talbert Shumba, Mthokozisi Msebe and Vassili Kawe.
Simba Bhora have signed Donald Mudadi, Tonderai Mateyaunga, Blessed Ndereki, Emmanuel Ziocha, Tinotenda Meke, Never Tigere, Carlos Mavhurume, Trevor Mavhunga, Kelvin Gwao and Liberty Chakoroma.
Chicken Inn striker Malvin Hwata and Carlos Makambira are also now on the books of Simba Bhora.
Simba Bhora drew 1-1 against Baroka in a practice match on Wednesday.
“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.”
Simba Bhora and Dynamos will clash in the Castle Challenge Cup at Rufaro on February 22.
