Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
SHAMVA-based Simba Bhora are keeping the Premier Soccer League (PSL) exciting after a one-nil victory over Hwange saw them maintaining two-point differences with log leaders FC Platinum.
Simba Bhora are only in their second season in the PSL, but are already showing that they are a real deal.
At the beginning of the season, the ambitious side brought in quality players with proven pedigree and have been reaping the rewards.
This Sunday, Simba Bhora edged Hwange one-nil at the Colliery to keep pressure on log leaders FC Platinum who walloped Herentals 3-1 at Mandava Stadium.
The victory over Hwange moved them to 40 points, two behind former champions FC Platinum.
Simba have been making the most of nemesis’ slip-ups, with the Shamva-based side having collected 13 points since losing to FC Platinum six matches ago, while in the same period, FC Platinum have managed eight points.
The Tonderai Ndiraya-coached team have notched 12 wins this season, the same as Norman Mapeza’s FC Platinum, with the only difference being the number of draws as FC Platinum have managed six, two more than their rivals.
FC Platinum also have a better goal difference having scored more and conceded less.
With the league slowly coming to a home stretch, it will be interesting to see who will blink first with FC Platinum having been here before and seeing it through while Simba will want to dent that record.
Defending champions Ngezi Platinum Stars’ momentum has eased but they are still within touching distance, six points behind FC Platinum after a draw with fourth-placed Manica Diamonds who are a point behind.
There is a change at the bottom of the log after Arenel beat fading giants CAPS United 2-1 to move to 17 points, leaving behind Hwange who have 16 points.
Chegutu Pirates on 19 points and TelOne on 20 points conclude the bottom four positions, but CAPS United and Bulawayo Chiefs can be sucked into the relegation zone anytime if they do not start picking up points.
