Simba bhora smell title

Zimpapers Sports Hub

SIMBA BHORA need four points from their last three matches to clinch a historic championship after edging CAPS United 2-1 in a thrilling Castle Lager Premier Soccer League game at Wadzanai Stadium yesterday.

The Shamva-based side were reduced to 10 men in the 55th minute, and their 1-0 lead was erased four minutes later.

They still conjured up the magic to move closer to the championship podium.

The man of the match, Vasilli Kawe, scored and provided the much-needed assist as Simba Bhora moved to 63 points, nine clear of second-placed FC Platinum, who play Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium today.

Kawe slotted the ball past a wrong-footed Ashley Reyners in the 40th minute after he was sent through by captain Walter Musona.

Reyners had picked up a hamstring injury a few minutes earlier, but the CAPS United technical team surprisingly kept the keeper in the match.

They paid the price when Reyners failed to deal with what looked like a harmless effort from Kawe.

Reyners was substituted a few minutes later.

CAPS United players, who were promised US$1 000 each for a win, did not give up.

They silenced the home crowd in the 59th minute when substitute Jayden Bakare headed home a freekick from the right by Eric Manokore.

That was four minutes after striker Harrison Masina was shown a second yellow card for a late tackle on CAPS United defender Hastings Chapusha.

But the home side still had the strength and courage to find the winner through Tymon Machope.

The lanky striker headed home a cross from Kawe in the 74th minute to send the crowd into delirium.

Simba Bhora have now played 16 matches at their home ground since it was homologated for Premier Soccer League matches in March.

They have 13 wins and three draws in matches played at the venue.

“The idea is for us to focus on the next game.

“But I don’t want to lie that we are not focusing on crossing the line. The idea is to maintain the six-point gap until we get to the FC Platinum game,” Simba Bhora coach Tonderai Ndiraya said.

Simba Bhora went into the match on the back of a morale-sapping loss in the league against Herentals.

They had also bowed out of the Chibuku Super Cup at the hands of Ngezi Platinum Stars. But they showed some character, especially late in the second half, despite being a man down.

“We knew we were up for a very tough task today, especially coming from defeats in the Cup and against Herentals,” said Ndiraya.

Up next for Simba Bhora is relegated Arenel Movers in Bulawayo midweek.

They will then host FC Platinum at Wadzanai Stadium, before finishing off the season at ZPC Kariba.

Tichaona Chipunza had a good show in the middle of the park for them, while Isheanesu Mauchi was solid at the back.

Chipunza initiated Simba Bhora’s second goal when his mazy run from deep in his half ended up with Kawe crossing the ball for Machope.

Machope took his tally to 11 goals, one shy of joint top scorers Khama Billiat and William Manondo.

Rising referee Thabani Ruzario handled the high-profile game with composure.

At Baobab Stadium, Ngezi Platinum surrendered the Castle Lager Premiership title with a 1-1 draw at home to newcomers Bikita Minerals.

Takunda Benhura salvaged a point for Ngezi Platinum in the 67th minute, cancelling out a first-half goal by the visitors.

Ngezi Platinum can only finish on 59 points if they win their remaining four matches, while title favourites Simba Bhora moved to 63 points yesterday.

At Heart Stadium, two long-range efforts within four minutes of the first half were all there was as Yadah and ZPC Kariba settled for a 1-1 draw.

Stanley Ngala gave ZPC Kariba the lead with a grounder from outside the box in the 26th minute, while Mandla Mlilo’s attempted cross found its way in the top corner four minutes later to bring the hosts level.

At Luveve Stadium, bottom-placed newcomers Arenel Movers were confirmed as the first team relegated following a 1-0 loss to neighbours Bulawayo City.

Migoz Svinurayi scored the match winner after just nine minutes, heading home a cross from Jameson Masaza.

The three points were crucial in Bulawayo Chiefs’ fight for survival.

At Ascot Stadium, Herentals silenced TelOne 1-0 to keep their top-four hopes alive, while keeping the Wi-Fi Boys in the relegation mix.