UNDER the crisp bright lights of Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, on Sunday, a dream born in the mining town of Shamva came to life.
This was not just a football match.
It was Simba Bhora’s first step onto the continental stage, a journey that began with a 1-0 victory over Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs.
It was also a culmination of a journey from Division Two to the continent’s biggest stage.
For defender Ishe Mauchi, the emotion was palpable.
Speaking at the post-match Press conference where he stood in for captain Blessing Moyo, he could not just contain his excitement of being part of the squad that made history for the club.
“I can speak on behalf of a lot of us. This is the first time for a lot of us (here) considering where we’re coming from. So, it’s something that is surreal, something that we have to thank God for,” he said.
The victory, secured by an early second-half header from Ishmael Nyanhi off a precise Blessing Moyo cross, was a testament to the club’s lofty ambition of a group stage qualification.
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Yet, the irony was not lost on anyone.
A club making its continental debut was forced to do so on foreign soil.
The country’s lack of a Caf-certified stadium meant this defining moment took place hundreds of kilometres away from their home fans in Shamva.
Incredibly, a group of about 200 fans could not just miss the moment and travelled all the way from Harare to cheer on the team.
And among the crowd in Francistown, Warriors coach Michael Nees watched intently.
For a lesser team, playing a home match away from home could have been a debilitating setback.
But for Mauchi and his teammates, it was simply another obstacle to overcome.
He was a colossus in the heart of defence, alongside Webster Tafa and Boid Mutukure.
Together, they formed an impenetrable wall, shutting down every Nsingizini attack, and building a solid foundation for the team to build from in the second leg next week.
“The boys worked hard to keep a clean sheet,” Mauchi said.
“When you take a lead, it’s always difficult trying to withstand the pressure of the opponent trying to come back.
“But we worked harder and harder and managed to keep the cleansheet. It is very encouraging going into the next game because we have something to protect.”
Mauchi’s performance was not only crucial for his club, but also for his personal ambitions.
The defender’s stellar performance may have been just what the national team coach needed to see to justify a call-up to the senior squad for the Africa Cup of Nations finals set for Morocco this December.
The towering centre-back has been on the cusp of a breakthrough, having been part of the Warriors’ squad for the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers without earning a starting spot.
His commanding display against Nsingizini, however, might have changed that.
Many pundits believe the defender has what it takes to command a first-team jersey, and Nees’ presence in Botswana could be seen as the ultimate scouting mission.
As Simba Bhora prepares for the return leg of this preliminary clash at Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba, Eswatini, on Sunday, they carry not just a slender lead, but the hopes of Shamva and of a nation hungry for football success.
Their journey, a blend of grit and grace, as club president Simba Ndoro would say, has just begun.
