PREMIER Soccer League champions Simba Bhora are not pressing any panic button despite a massive player exodus that has hit the club.
At least 14 players, including key members of the squad, have left the club since the transfer window opened at the start of January.
Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona leads a host of big name players who have ditched the Shamva-based team.
Even the lure of champions league football this season could not stop the likes of Musona, Tymon Machope, Tichaona Chipunza, Mthokozisi Msebe, Vasili Kawe and goalkeeper Talbert Shumba from seeking green pastures elsewhere.
The six have all since joined moneybags Scottland FC, where they linked up with their former coach at the Shamva club, Tonderai Ndiraya, who led the team to their historic championship success last term.
Eight others, including Patson Jaure, goalkeeper Tymon Mvula, Onifade Abubakar, Perfect Chikwende, Albert Manenji, Valentine Musarurwa, Simba Maramwidze and Talent Chawapiwa, have been released by the club.
Simba Bhora president Simba Ndoro said while he was disappointed that some players decided to leave, he had found able replacements good enough to defend the league crown as well as compete in the Caf Champions League in the upcoming season.
The club yesterday announced the arrival of five new players, including the highly-rated Blessed Ndereki snapped from Yadah, and the Bikita Minerals duo of Carlos Makambira and Barnabas Mutuche.
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Exciting winger Tinotenda Meke has also joined from Ngezi Platinum Stars, and so is Trevor Mavhunga, who joins from Manica Diamonds.
“We are obviously disappointed that some players left after we worked very well with them to bring the success we got last season. But that is football, and as a club, we can only wish them well in their future endeavors,” Ndoro said.
“A number of our key players from last season have left, but we are not panicking at all. We have started the process of rebuilding and I believe the players that are coming in are good enough.
“We have 14 players that we have agreed terms with so far, and we are happy with the quality that we are bringing in.
“We are assembling a squad that we feel will be able to defend the league title as well as compete well in the Caf Champions League.”
Dynamos’ Donald Mudadi and Caps United goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga have also signed for Simba, while Manica Diamonds midfielder Liberty Chakoroma is also believed to be on his way to Shamva.
The team will be coached by Joel Luphahla in the upcoming season after the former Dynamos assistant coach replaced Ndiraya.
