IN just their second season in the top flight league, Simba Bhora have bagged their maiden Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title with two games left to go in the 2023/24 season.
The Shamva based outfit saw off the challenge from already relegated Arenel Movers to take an unassailable nine points lead at the top of the standings with only six points left to play in this campaign.
It was the Go Buju Go boys’ first win of the season in Bulawayo having previously failed to collect maximum points against Highlanders, Chicken Inn and Bulawayo Chiefs.
Going into the game, they only needed to point to secure the title and managed to do so in style, collecting all three. Skipper Walter Musona scored the game’s solitary goal in the 10th minute.
The Warriors midfielder capitalised on a defensive error from Arenel’s Brian Jaravaza to slot home from close range.
Three minutes after Musona found the back of the net, the champions continued with their charge but Roland Kangadzi failed to deliver a cross into the box.
In the 15th minute, Chrispen Machisi came close to leveling matters for the hosts but his brilliant shot from outside the box went just wide off goal.
Two minutes later, Tymon Machope came close to doubling the lead for the Shamva based side but his header off a Kangadzi cross went over the bar.
The lanky forward would go on to get yet another glorious chance but produced a weak effort which was easily dealt with by Aron Ngwenya in goals for Arenel.
In the 23rd minute, Machisi almost made it one all with a dipping header that went over the bar.
Arenel continued their search for the equaliser and got yet another chance through Lucky Nyathi who unleashed a shot from outside the box but couldn’t find the target.
At the hour mark, Musona sent in a defense splitting pass into Tymon Machope but the latter, with the keeper left to beat, sent his shot over the bar.
In the 64th minute, Kangadzi sent in a brilliant low cross which, however, met no takers in the box.
Second half substitute Mthokozisi Msebe almost had an immediate impact but his shot went wide off goal.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, Machope failed to capitalise on yet another one versus one situation.
The Simba Bhora striker was put through on goal by Msebe but couldn’t dribble past Ngwenya.
Ngwenya was brought into action again in 80th minute, producing a brilliant save to deny Ishmael Nyanhi.
Teams:
Arenel:
Aaron Ngwenya (gk), Gabriel Dlodlo, Grant Chingwenhese, Brian Gijimani, Polite Mwenda, Andrew Tandi, Brian Jaravaza (Dalubuhle Dlodlo, 77mins), Zibusiso Dambo, Lucky Nyathi, Chrispen Machisi, Toto Banda
Simba Bhora:
Simbarashe Chinani (gk), Webster Tafa, Isheanesu Mauchi, Tichaona Chipunza, Blessing Moyo, Wilson Meansah (Ishmael Nyanhi, 66mins), Roland Kangadzi, Gift Saunyama (Albert Manenji, 66mins), Walter Musona (Mthokozisi Msebe, 66mins), Tymon Machope (Perfect Chikwende, 77mins), Vassilli Kawe.
