Simba Bhora unbeaten in seven home matches.
Coach Ndiraya aims to make Wadzanai Stadium a fortress.
Tymon Machope and Mthokozisi Msebe praised for performances.
Simba Bhora faces crucial match against FC Platinum.
Simba Bhora coach Tonderai Ndiraya is on a mission to transform Wadzanai Stadium into a stronghold where visiting teams falter and points remain scarce. The Shamva-based team has been impressive on their home turf, remaining unbeaten in seven matches at their newly-built stadium. This article delves into the strategies and key performances that have turned Wadzanai into a fortress, and what it means for Simba Bhora’s title ambitions.
Unbeaten Streak at Wadzanai Stadium
Wadzanai Stadium welcomed Premier League football for the first time this season, and Simba Bhora has made it a challenging venue for their opponents. Their recent 3-0 victory over Arenel Movers marked their fourth home win out of eight total victories this season. This triumph kept them in the title race, holding third place on the log standings with 27 points, just four points behind leaders FC Platinum.
Ndiraya’s Winning Formula
Tonderai Ndiraya, the former Dynamos coach, has significantly impacted Simba Bhora in his first season with the club. His emphasis on a solid home record as a foundation for title success is paying off. Ndiraya’s approach includes leveraging passionate home support and focusing on consistent performances at Wadzanai.
“We won our second match in succession, which is good for us. I am glad we won at Wadzanai Stadium because before this, our statistics showed that we had won more games away from home. We have won eight games and it’s now four apiece. We want to improve that home record,” Ndiraya commented.
He highlighted the importance of home support, saying, “I am happy with the passionate way the fans here support the team. We need to try and collect as many points as possible at home. History shows that a team with a solid home record always stands a good chance of winning the title.”
Key Performances and Rising Stars
Ndiraya has praised his players, particularly striker Tymon Machope and midfielder Mthokozisi Msebe, who have been pivotal in Simba Bhora’s recent success. Machope’s performance against Arenel Movers was stellar, scoring a brace and bringing his season tally to six goals, just one shy of his total from last season.
“He (Machope) is showing his class. He’s got a humble background, but the talent that is in him does not really show the background that he has. He is some talent and I’m happy that he scored a brace,” Ndiraya said.
Msebe’s goal from outside the box was a highlight of the match, showcasing his ability to deliver crucial goals. Ndiraya acknowledged Msebe’s potential, stating, “Mthokozisi Msebe is a goalscorer of repute and lately, he has not been giving us goals. So slowly, he is getting back to himself. That was the Msebe that we want to see and hopefully he can improve with each passing game.”
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite their strong performances at home, Simba Bhora has struggled against lower-ranked teams, losing to Bikita Minerals and Bulawayo Chiefs, and drawing with Herentals, GreenFuel, and TelOne. These dropped points could be critical in their quest for the title. In contrast, they have excelled against top-tier teams, securing wins against Dynamos, Caps United, defending champions Ngezi Platinum Stars, and second-placed Manica Diamonds.
Ndiraya emphasized the need to improve against weaker teams, saying, “I’m happy that we managed to beat Arenel Movers, obviously because we have not been doing so well against the so-called small teams.”
Upcoming Challenge
Simba Bhora’s next test is a crucial away match against log leaders FC Platinum. Ndiraya’s team hopes to replicate their previous season’s success at Mandava Stadium, where they secured a 2-1 victory. A win against FC Platinum would not only bolster their title hopes but also solidify Wadzanai Stadium’s reputation as a fortress for Simba Bhora.
