A NEW chapter is set to be written by Simba Bhora starting this Sunday as they embark on their maiden voyage in the CAF Champions League.
But this is not just a simple football match.
It’s a baptism of fire for a youthful squad with big ambitions, facing Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs.
The stage is set at Botswana’s Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, a temporary home necessitated by Zimbabwe’s lack of a CAF-certified pitch.
Yet, this geographical hiccup has done nothing to dampen the spirits of the Shamva-based side.
For coach Joel Luphahla, this is the moment his boys can truly announce themselves to the world.
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With an average age of just 24, this team is built on fresh talent and boundless energy.
Luphahla sees the Champions League as a global audition, a chance for his players to transform from local heroes into continental stars.
“Playing in the CAF Champions League is a life-changing opportunity for the boys,” Luphahla declared.
“We’ve got a majority of these boys between the ages of 23 to 25.
“It’s a chance for them to go there and showcase their talent.
“It's an opportunity also for the club to be known globally.”
While youth is their biggest asset, the team is far from inexperienced.
Their ranks are filled with players who have worn the national team jersey.
Defender Ishe Mauchi is a full Zimbabwe international, while goalkeeper William Thole and striker Isaskar Gurirab represent Malawi and Namibia, respectively.
They are joined by a formidable group of players who have played for the Warriors before, including Butholezwe Ncube, Blessing Moyo, Donald Mudadi, Junior Makunike, Never Tigere and McKinnon Mushore.
This blend of fresh talent and seasoned professionals creates a potent mix, ready to face the pressure of a high stakes competition.
The team arrived in Francistown on Wednesday night, feeling right at home in a neighbouring country.
Luphahla emphasised that his players are going into the game without pressure, noting the familiarity they share with their opponents.
“We go into the match without any pressure,” he said.
“We almost play the same type of football.
“Even the culture, we are not far from each other.”
The second leg is scheduled for next week in Swaziland and the winner of this two-legged tie will move on to a formidable test against Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
Luphahla is already plotting their path to the next round and beyond.
“We want to make sure that we do well in this round,” he said.
“If we plan well, I think we can go all the way to the mini league and I think that will be a very big achievement for us.”
Confidence is high for Simba Bhora after a solid goalless draw against second-placed Scottland in their last league match, a result that kept them at the top of the table.
Off the pitch, the team received a major morale and financial boost from Scottland owner Scott Sakupwanya, who donated a staggering US$100 000 towards their Champions League campaign.
Rumour has it that he has also promised the players huge bonuses if they manage to get past Nsingizini Hotspurs.
With a mix of youthful exuberance, international experience, and a hefty financial injection, Simba Bhora are primed to make a statement.
The first step on their continental journey begins this Sunday.