SIMBA BHORA head coach Mandla Mpofu has challenged his charges to maintain their newfound momentum as the Shamva-based outfit continues its aggressive climb up the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table.
After a turbulent start to the campaign that saw a restless section of the club’s supporters call for his head, Mpofu has overseen a remarkable transformation.
The team followed up last weekend’s dominant 3-0 demolition of FC Platinum with a stunning come-from-behind 2-1 victory over defending league champions Scottland on Sunday, handing the title holders their first defeat of the season.
The atmosphere in the Simba Bhora corner at Rufaro Stadium was electric after the final whistle, but Mpofu quickly moved to temper any sense of complacency.
With a home clash against ZPC Kariba looming, the former Highlanders coach called for focus.
“As much as we have to celebrate the past two wins, I think we have to cut our celebration as short as we can and focus on our next game,” Mpofu warned.
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“Winning such big games is good and gives the players confidence, but if we don’t prepare well mentally, we might find it difficult to beat ZPC Kariba at home.”
He stressed that consistency, not isolated results, will define their season.
“It’s something I’m talking to the boys about: yes, we have managed to get three points against Scottland, but I think three points against ZPC Kariba are more important than everything. We have to make sure that we bet with our lives and win that game,” Mpofu added.
Simba Bhora’s recent surge has lifted them to seventh on the log with 16 points from 10 matches, just six points behind leaders Caps United.
“We have managed to close the gap between the leading pack, which means we are within striking distance of us and us. Let’s hope we keep these positive as we go forward,” Mpofu said.
A key factor in the revival has been the integration of the club’s foreign contingent. After early injury setbacks, the four Namibian players and Malawian international Lawrence Chaziya are now hitting top form.
The impact was evident on Sunday, with Tevin Naweseb scoring his first goal for the club to spark the comeback, while fellow Namibian Petrus Samaneka impressed off the bench and played a key role in Harrison Masina’s winner.
Defensively, Chaziya, Kennedy Eib and captain Webster Tafa have strengthened a backline that struggled early in the season.
“Remember, these guys are playing for their national teams, so they must come here and command jerseys. They must come here and give us what we want. I’m pretty happy with these players,” Mpofu said.
He praised Naweseb’s breakthrough goal after 10 games, adding that the striker still has strong instincts in front of goal.
Mpofu also highlighted the growing balance in the squad, with William Thole in goal and an improving defensive unit.
Reflecting on the season’s early struggles, Mpofu admitted that rebuilding after losing five key players in the transfer window was difficult.
However, he is convinced the “Go Buju Go” side is now a genuine title contender.
“I think Simba Bhora is a championship team . . . that’s my feeling. It was difficult when I started,” Mpofu said, adding that the team had lost five players.
“We brought in good foreigners along with the rest of the other guys. So it was not easy to integrate. I’m just happy that we have managed to turn the corner.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matchday 11 fixtures:
Saturday: Fc Hunters v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Heart), Mwos v Chicken Inn (Ngoni), Fc Platinum v Scottland (Mandava), TelOne v Hardrock (Ascot), Simba Bhora v Zpc Kariba (Wadzanayi), Bulawayo Chiefs v Herentals (Barbourfields), Manica Diamonds v Agama (Sakubva).
Sunday: Highlanders v Triangle (Barbourfields), Dynamos v Caps United (Rufaro).