mbulelo smpofu
Innocent Kurira, innocent.kurira@chronicle.co.zw
A tall order awaits newly appointed Simba Bhora head coach, Joel Luphahla.
He arrives at a club that has just lost a championship-winning coach and a dozen players.
How a majority of the players are leaving when there is the Africa Champions League challenge beckoning where they stand better chances of being marketed better appears to defy logic.
It also throws into perspective that some local coaches seem not comfortable with new challenges preferring to coach a team with players they have previously worked with before.
Luphahla has acknowledged the high expectations surrounding his new role but is confident that he will deliver success with the support of the Shamva community.
Luphahla, who won the Chibuku Super Cup with Dynamos last season, was officially unveiled as Simba Bhora’s new head coach yesterday.
The former Dynamos assistant coach takes over from Tonderai Ndiraya, who has joined newcomers Scottland FC.
“I am very excited to be here in Shamva. I remember my first time here, I was given a three-nil drubbing by Simba Bhora when I was still in Division One. I’m excited to be back here leading Simba Bhora, a very big team because you don’t win the league if you’re not a big team,” said Luphahla.
Luphahla is aware of the pressure to maintain the team’s expectations, particularly after winning the league title last season.
Simba Bhora will also participate in the Caf Champions League this year.
“Last season was good for the club, and we’re coming here under pressure to make sure we maintain what the club achieved last season,” Luphahla said.
“It’s not going to be easy, but I believe the people of Shamva will carry me on their shoulders, accept me and lead us to success.”
Simba Bhora has undergone significant changes, with 13 players leaving the club, including Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona and goalkeeper, Talbert Shumba.
Other players, who have left Simba Bhora, include Partson Jaure, Mthokozisi Msebe, Tymon Mvula, Perfect Chikwende, Valentine Musarurwa, Albert Manenji, Simbarashe Maramwidze, Onifade Obubaka and Talent Chawapiwa.
The team has signed Blessed Ndereki from Yadah Stars and Tinotenda Meke from Simba Bhora.
Meanwhile, striker Tymon Machope, who has been linked with a move to Scottland FC, reported for pre-season training on Monday along with Tinashe Balakasi, Billy Veremu, Isheanesu Mauchi, and goalkeeper, Simba Chinani.
Simba Bhora became the first team from Shamva to gain promotion into the Premier Soccer League, doing so in 2022, when football finally returned after a Covid-19-induced hiatus.
Last season, Simba Bhora wrote another piece of history when they became the first club from Mashonaland Central to clinch the Premier Soccer League title.
This was only in their second season in the top-flight league.
—@innocentskizoe
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
