Simba Bhora Football Club, the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions, has experienced an unprecedented player exodus, with thirteen players released by the club.
The bulk of the title-winning squad, including head coach Tonderai Ndiraya, who has been signed by Scotland Football Club, has departed from the champions.
Among the departing players, Tichaona Chipinza, Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, Vasilli “Chewe” Kawe, Talbert Shumba, and Tymon Mvula have followed their coach, Tonderai Ndiraya, to Scotland Football Club.
The other players leaving the club include Partson “Yellow” Jaure, Talent Chawapiwa, Albert Manenji, Mtho Msebe, Valentine Musarurwa, Chikwende Perfect, Onifade Abubaka, and Simba Maramwidze.
The clear-out comes as Simba Bhora prepares to represent Zimbabwe in the African Champions League. The club is set to embark on their African Safari with a new head coach and a revamped squad.
Former Simba Bhora players, speaking on condition of anonymity, have alleged that the club failed to honor its promise to reward them with Toyota Aqua vehicles for winning the league title.
According to the players, the promised vehicles were never delivered. Adding to the turmoil, the club has reportedly been abandoned by key sponsors, placing its finances in jeopardy. Pan Jap, one of the major sponsors, is rumored to have shifted its support to Scottland Football Club.
ItJoel Luphahla has been tasked with taking charge of the team.
Luphahla faces the challenging task of assembling a competitive team capable of performing at the international level. He is expected to be the busiest coach as Simba Bhora works to strengthen their squad.
Luphahla, an experienced coach who previously managed TelOne and worked at Caps United and was recently Assistant Coach at Dynamos brings a wealth of experience to the role.
Although Joel Luphahla holds a CAF B licence, which is sufficient for coaching in various competitions, there are questions about his qualification to coach in the PSL, as the league typically requires a higher certification. It is speculated that Simba Bhora may look for a more qualified coach to lead them in the African Safari and to meet PSL coaching requirements.
The club is actively in the market, seeking to bolster its lineup. The club has signed midfielder, ,Blessed Ndereki from Yadah FC.
The club has also appointed Chioniso Omuhle as it’s media officer.
It remains to be seen whether Simba Bhora will assemble a team to fight for honours in the 2025 season.
With the champions league on the horizon Simba must put their act together if they are to make a mark on the international stage. Otherwise, they will be there to fulfill the fixtures