Simba Bhora team photo
SIMBA Bhora captain Patson Jaure believes their draw against Dynamos will act as a catalyst for the team to turn their fortunes around.
The Shamva-based side battled to a goalless draw against the log leaders last Saturday, a result that helped them end a run of two straight defeats.
Simba lost 2-1 to defending champions FC Platinum in their maiden league game before succumbing to a 1-0 defeat to last season’s runners-up Chicken Inn in their second match.
A battling performance against the Harare giants last week was enough to earn them their first point of the season.
They face Yadah at the National Sports Stadium (NSS) this afternoon, a match that kickstarts what promises to be an exciting Easter weekend league programme.
Jaure played the entire match against DeMbare, with the defender ecstatic to not only help shut out his former teammates who were looking for a third straight win, but to help his new team end a disappointing barren start to life in the Premiership.
“It was a massive game for me personally because of what happened in the transfer window, and for the team as a whole because of where we were coming from,” Jaure said.
“We played well against FC Platinum and Chicken Inn, but unfortunately we lost both matches so it was important for us to get the point. It was a massive result and a big boost to the players and hopefully it will help us kick on and get the wins deserving of our performances so far.”
Jaure was facing Dynamos for the first time after the two acrimoniously divorced at the end of last season.
The former Warriors star was one of the 15 players who were released by DeMbare at the end of the season.
Together with Keith Murera, and youngsters Stephen Chatikobo, Claivert Tshuma and Luke Musikiri, they joined Simba Bhora, linking up with coach Tonderai Ndiraya and chairperson Isiah Mupfurutsa who also left the Glamour Boys at the end of last season.
“We are a very good squad and it’s just a matter of time before we start to get the good results that merit our performances.
“We have to maintain the level of performances that we showed in the first three matches and guard against complacency because we are now playing Yadah.”
Jaure reckons Yadah is one of the most impressive teams in the league so far, with their fast passing game.
The PHD Ministries-owned team beat promoted side Green Fuels 1-0 in their league opener before losing 2-1 against returnees Hwange.
Last week, they drew 1-1 with another promoted side Sheasham.
“We know how they play. They like to pass the ball around and they are very good at it. We are prepared for that and hopefully we will get a good result.”
Yadah will go into the match without star player Talent Chawapiwa who picked a muscle injury against FC Platinum.
He returned to training last week, but has been advised by club doctors to rest until he has fully recovered.
Ndiraya is also battling a bout of flu that has hit his camp ahead of this afternoon’s match.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match-day four fixtures
Today: Yadah v Simba Bhora (National Sports Stadium)
Tomorrow: Black Rhinos v Caps United (NSS), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Herentals College (Baobab), Fc Platinum v Bulawayo Chiefs (Mandava), GreenFuels v Manica Diamonds (Gibbo), Chicken Inn v Highlanders (Barbourfields)
Saturday: Hwange v Sheasham (Luveve)
Sunday: Zpc Kariba v Triangle (NSS)
Monday: Dynamos v Cranborne Bullets (NSS).-newsday
