Simba Bhora too strong for Chicken Inn

Simba Bhora’s title defence remains firmly on track after they secured a hard-fought victory over a resilient Chicken Inn at Wadzanayi Stadium yesterday.

The win, which came a week after the club’s president Simba Ndoro celebrated his 48th birthday and its chairman elected the Premier Soccer League boss, ensured Simba Bhora stayed at the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League standings.

Midfielder Junior Makunike, the scorer of a winner here the last time they hosted a match, was the hero once again, scoring the only goal in the 41st minute.

His initial shot was blocked by goalkeeper Donovan Benard, but he reacted quickly to rifle the rebound into the back of the net.

The goal, his fifth of the season, proved to be the decider.

Unfortunately for Simba Bhora, Makunike had to be subbed off early in the second half due to a groin injury.

This crucial victory came after a two-match winless streak and gives the team a much-needed boost going into the run-in.

Simba Bhora now sits on 47 points, just one point ahead of their main title rivals, Scottland, who also won their match against FC Platinum.

Simba Bhora coach Joel Luphahla was relieved and dedicated the win to both the club president and the newly elected Premier League chairman, Isaiah Mupfurutsa.

“We are happy that we have managed to get a win,” Luphahla said after the match.

“It was not an easy game but at the end of the day, we took the three points.

“This victory was also for our chairman, and also for our president. I’m very happy that we managed to get the full three points for them.”

Luphahla praised his team’s resilience, especially as they had to repel a late onslaught from the visitors.

“The boys played very well and they deserve to win,” he added. “We could have scored another goal or two.

“But what I like about them is that they are resilient.

Even under pressure, they don’t wilt. I give credit to them.”

Source: The Standard Zimbabwe