SIMBA BHORA’S MOMENT OF GLORY AT NYAMHUNGA

Langton Nyakwenda in KARIBA

ZPC Kariba . . . . . . . . . . 1

Simba Bhora . . . . . . . .  0

THERE is a special connection between Walter Musona and Nyamhunga Stadium.

On May 23, 2015, he scored a brace for FC Platinum when the Zvishavane side beat ZPC Kariba 3-0, on the day Nyamhunga hosted its first ever Premier Soccer League match.

Musona returned to the same venue yesterday wearing the King’s robes as he lifted the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League trophy with Simba Bhora.

The Shamva side lost 1-0 at Nyamhunga yesterday, but they went into the match as champions, and only came here to be officially crowned.

Go Buju Go sealed the championship on November 6, when they edged Arenel Movers 1-0 at Luveve Stadium, to attain an unassailable lead over FC Platinum.

But the coronation happened in Kariba, where Simba Bhora club captain Musona and his vice Blessing Moyo lifted the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League trophy.

Club owner Simba “Buju” Ndoro was handed the US$100 000 cheque, the prize money for this year’s top-flight league champions.

“It’s not easy to lift the championship in a league that has big teams, but we did it because it’s God’s work,” said Ndoro.

The ambitious Ndoro is already dreaming of making an impact in the CAF Champions League.

“If you look at it, Zimbabwean teams have not performed well in the Champions League, but I am telling you today Simba Bhora will change the script,” he declared. Musona paid tribute to the Shamva community.

“They (fans) were always behind us and I am happy we have made them proud,” he said.

Reminded about his brace on the official opening of Nyamhunga back in 2015, Musona said:

“That was my second season in the top-flight, but, eish, you have reminded me about something I still cherish today.

“And to come back here and lift the league championship as captain is just fantastic.

“ The feeling is great. Credit goes to coach Tonderai Ndiraya, who managed to unite this group of players.”

Ndiraya was lifted by his players, as it finally sunk in that he had led a team to the PSL title.

“You know what? It’s unbelievable,” said Ndiraya.

ZPC Kariba might have won yesterday’s match, but it did not spoil the party for Simba Bhora.

Scorer of the solitary goal, Leeroy Murape, saluted Simba Bhora.

“They deserve this title because they worked for it,” he said.

“But I am also happy to finish on a high after scoring on the last day, a goal that ensured victory for my side.”

In the end, Simba Bhora were the story of the day.

“They are the first team from Mashonaland Central to win the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League championship.

Nyamhunga Stadium hosted its first coronation ceremony since May 23, 2015, when the venue hosted its first-ever Premier Soccer League match.

TEAMS

ZPC Kariba: F. Sibanda, K. Madima, N. Gurende, B. Mutukure, M.Gavaza, C. Dzingayi, C. Muleya, A. Karengesha, S. Makawa, T. Pio, C. Munyanyi

Simba Bhora: T. Mvula, W. Tafa, B. Moyo, Karakadzai, G. Saunyama, M. Msebe, J. Makunike, P. Jaure, T. Machope, H. Masina, W. Musona