Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
DEFENDING Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions, Simba Bhora are adopting the underdog tag ahead of their top-of-the-table encounter against high-riding MWOS at Wadzanayi Stadium this Saturday.
New boys MWOS are undefeated in seven outings, mastering five wins and two draws while the defending champions have quietly gone about their business after wholesome changes in the off-season.
Despite the shake-up that saw more than 10 players leaving together with then head coach Tonderai Ndiraya, the Shamva-based club are second, three points behind Saturday’s opponents.
With all the noise being taken by MWOS, the defending champions are pleased to go into the match as underdogs.
“Well it is what it is they have started the season strongly and they have been the talk of town together with Scottland and somewhat puts us as underdogs which is exactly a situation which suits us after the transition from last season and it takes pressure away from my boys allowing them to play freely,” Simba Bhora coach, Joel Luphahla said.
Simba Bhora have made Wadzanayi Stadium a fortress, losing just once since the start of last season and head coach Joel Luphahla is hoping for a continuation of the same.
“We have started well at home, the only blemish being FC Platinum where we drew barring that we have won all and we hope to keep the same, I have been telling my boys that the match is just like any other home match and we need to approach it the same way and remember that our supporters will be behind us,” Luphahla said.
The Shamva-based side has a clean bill of health, save for midfielder Liberty Chakoroma who has a long-term injury.
PSL action, however, starts this Friday with Herentals hosting Green Fuel at Rufaro Stadium.
Saturday sees FC Platinum taking on Triangle at Mandava, Manica Diamonds welcome struggling Chicken Inn to Sakubva, while Yadah faces troubled CAPS United.
TelOne host Highlanders at Ascot, new-boys Scottland make the long trip to Kariba for a date against ZPC Kariba, while rejuvenated Bikita Minerals face Ngezi Platinum Stars at Gibbo.
Kwekwe United, who failed to turn up for their home match against Herentals during the last match day, are scheduled to face Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium this Sunday.
