Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
A carnival atmosphere engulfed Shamva on Friday as Premier Soccer League winners Simba Bhora football club finally took the coveted trophy to their home fans at Wadzanai Stadium.
The Premier soccer league carnival to announce the historic arrival of the PSL trophy began in Mazowe, passed through Bindura and ended in Shamva where delighted soccer fans embraced the PSL trophy won by a Mashonaland Central team for the first time.
A supporter said, “We are happy, we want to thank Simba Ndoro, the vice president, his wife, because this thing had never happened in Mashonaland Central. We are very happy because of Simba Bhora.”
“As the Brass Band, we are happy because we started in Division One. Brass band we have never missed a game. We started in Division One and now we are in the premier league,” another said.
Simba Bhora players expressed joy at being part of the history making team.
“It’s pleasing from the people of Mashonaland central, it’s what we wished for since we joined this team. I want to thank our supporters as we go to the CAF championships we need your support,” one of the players said.
Another noted, “I am very happy because we took the league, we took it on our second year. I want to thank all Mashonaland Central supporters they came in numbers. I come from this side, so I am honoured and I am happy.”
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo joined in the celebrations officially opening Wadzanai Stadium re-built by Simba Bhora president, Simba Ndoro and ceremonially handing over the PSL trophy to the team.
“As Mashonaland Central province, you make us proud. Please keep it up. Maintain discipline. This is our thing we must be proud, Chinhu Chedu, so it’s ours.”
The celebrations graced by renowned soccer commentator Charles Mabika were punctuated by entertainment from the jovial players, Ben Arinoti dance group and Simba Bhora brass band.
