SIMBA Bhora coach Tonderai Ndiraya has played down the significance of his team going top of the Castle Premier League at this stage of the season, insisting that title glory is still a long shot.
The Shamva-based side defeated Yadah 1-0 on Saturday to move top of the log standings for the first time this season.
They dislodged FC Platinum, who could not reclaim their top position on Sunday following a defeat to struggling Caps United.
The victory over Yadah, courtesy of a Tymon Machope first-half goal, extended Simba Bhora’s unbeaten run to six matches, including five wins.
Ndiraya’s men have been so good in recent weeks that they have lost just once in their last 10 games.
The massive wins against some tough opposition plus an uptick in form from a number of Simba players has induced a feeling of success among the fans.
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Ndiraya lauded his team’s exceptional run, but with 12 matches still to go, the former Dynamos coach said it is a long way to go in the championship race, with many twists and turns expected.
“We are not too excited to be on top of the log because that is not what we are really looking for,” Ndiraya told NewsDay Sport.
“There is still a long way to go and our main focus is to improve, to be better. We had a difficult run last year and for us to be where we are right now, we can only thank God. We are happy to be where we are because it takes us far away from where we were last year.”
Simba Bhora had 40 points last season as they survived relegation.
“This year, we have 43 points from 22 games. That gives us joy, hope and the belief that if we keep putting in the shift, we can really be a very strong team,” Ndiraya said.
“I am happy with the form that we have shown so far. We have shown that we can compete at this level, with any other team in the league.”
The win over Yadah, which ended the Miracle Boys’ five-match unbeaten streak, was Simba Bhora’s 13th of the season, the highest by any team in the league so far.
Second-placed FC Platinum have 12 wins.
“It is exciting because we are a young team. We are in our second season in the league, so what more can you ask for from a team like ours. We will keep pushing, keep grinding and see where we can be at the end of the season.”
Ndiraya and Simba Bhora’s player transfer policy faced a lot of criticism after they brought in 11 new players at the start of the season, including captain Walter Musona, Harrison Masina, Mthokozisi Msebe, Talbert Shumba and Junior Makunike.
He is not regretting one bit.
“We knew what we were doing. We brought in players which we thought would stabilise the team and could fit in our philosophy. We brought in quality and match winners. I believe many people are now beginning to see why we brought in those players,” Ndiraya said.
Simba Bhora’s next match is a tough trip to Harare against Dynamos, while FC Platinum host strugglers Arenel Movers at Mandava in what could prove to be another pivotal week in the title race.