SIMBA Bhora coach Joel Luphahla is confident his squad has what it takes to defend their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title after they showed grit to snatch a narrow victory against Chicken Inn at Wadzanayi Stadium at the weekend.
The 1-0 win, secured by a first-half goal from midfielder Junior Makunike, saw the defending champions maintain their top spot on the log standings.
The hard-fought three points were a welcome relief for the team, which had dropped points in their two previous matches — a loss to TelOne and a draw against Manica Diamond — with 10 matches left. They are a point ahead of Scottland.
The pressure is immense, but if you ask Luphahla, that is exactly where he wants his team to be.
“We are the defending champions and we need to try and defend our title,” Luphahla said, his voice a mix of confidence and determination.
“If anybody is going to take this away, they will have to play better than us. They have to work for it. We cannot give it away easily.”
For Luphahla, the title is a prize that must be earned, not given.
He views every match as a step closer to cementing their legacy, and he is counting on the pressure to be the fuel that propels his team forward.
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“We are under pressure sometimes, but I hope that the pressure will spur us on,” he added.
Central to Simba Bhora’s title aspirations is the brilliance of Makunike.
The midfielder, a hometown boy from Luphahla’s own Bulawayo, has been a revelation this season.
His winner against Chicken Inn was his fifth goal of the campaign, making him the team’s second top scorer. Luphahla’s praise for him is nothing short of effusive.
“He has been doing well. We are pleased with what he has done,” the coach said.
“I spoke with him when I took over in December and told him he needs to show people that he’s a national team player. This is what he’s doing. He dominates whenever he plays.”
Makunike’s influence was so profound that when he was stretchered off the pitch 10 minutes into the second half, a collective gasp went through the crowd.
Luphahla, however, was quick to calm the nerves, explaining that the player was simply tired, not seriously injured.
“He’s a very, very important player for us, and I’m happy for him,” he said.
The victory also provided a glimpse into the future of Simba Bhora.
The mid-season transfer window has brought a wave of new talent, and they wasted no time in making an impact.
Former Ngezi Platinum Stars striker Tapiwa Mandinyenya and left back Nomore Tsabora were both thrown into the starting lineup and delivered promising performances. Second-half cameos from McKinnon Mushore and Boyd Mutukure further showcased the team’s newfound depth.
Luphahla is particularly excited about what the new signings bring to the table.
“They have changed the composition of the team,” he noted. “You saw Tapiwa, the way he holds up play, the way he brings people into play. It shows that he's got the quality. Our team has young players, and we are trying to build for the future.”
As league action pauses for the Chibuku Super Cup this weekend, Simba Bhora can take a moment to breathe.
The victory over Chicken Inn wasn't just three points; it was a powerful statement of intent.
It showed that even when they are not at their best, they have the grit and the talent to stay at the top.
