It keeps getting better for Simba

THE football fans of Shamva are having the time of their lives.

Their beloved football club, Simba Bhora, handed Green Fuel their first defeat of the season in the Inter-Regional Super Cup at Wadzanai Stadium on Saturday.

The two sides secured their Premiership status after winning their respective leagues.

The Shamva side won the ZIFA Northern Region Division One League and the Lowveld team won the Eastern Region title.

All eyes were on Simba Bhora’s giant forward, Tinashe Balakasi, who was facing Green Fuel’s fine shot-stopper, Tadious Baye, who had conceded only five times all season.

Baye had kept 22 clean sheets.

Balakasi netted 29 times for the Shamva side. And, it took him just 11 minutes to find his way past the highly-rated goalie.

Green Fuel’s Maxwell Makomeke levelled matters just four minutes before the break.

Both teams took turns to enjoy possession in the nail-biting affair.

But, it was the hosts who had more to show in the last 15 minutes.

Constantine Tinapi’s 78th minute strike gave the hosts the victory and bragging rights.

Balakasi hailed his teammates for a spirited fight.

He was also the hero when Simba Bhora won the Independence Cup against Masvingo United at Mucheke. “The intensity of the match was more than what we expected.

“Green Fuel are a good team and they really showed why they are the Eastern Region champions.

“I’m happy that we also played well and we were on point from the first minute in all departments,” said Balakasi.

“We played well, they gave us a good run, but I’m happy that we have wrapped up the season with something big.

“I want to give credit to my teammates for their fighting spirit.

“We needed this win to show why we are the Northern Region kings.”

Simba Bhora’s victory means they will count their 0-1 loss to Chegutu Pirates as their only defeat in Shamva in this campaign.