ZPC Kariba.....(0)1
Simba Bhora...(0)0
Simba Bhora were crowned champions despite ending the season with a narrow loss to ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga Stadium yesterday.
The Tonderai Ndiraya-coached side had already scooped the league title, but struggled to finish on a high, losing their last two matches of the league season.
In the searing heat of Kariba, Simba Bhora were more focused about their coronation after their final match of the season instead of the match itself.
Leeroy Murape scored the only goal of the match as the hosts claimed a record breaking 22nd clean sheet of the season and ended the season with the best defence in the league.
The win also saw ZPC Kariba survive relegation on the last day.
However, the day was not about them, but the newly crowned champions who were crowned after the match.
- Simba Bhora crowned in Kariba
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And as soon as the referee blew the final whistle it was celebration time for Simba Bhora who finally received their trophy.
Simba Bhora owner Simba Ndoro could not hide his joy watching his team being crowned Zimbabwe champions in only their second year in the top-flight league.
"As Simba Bhora, we have only been in the league for two years and to have won the league ahead of all those more experienced sides is such a humbling thing. I have to thank God for that," Ndoro said.
"One of the reasons why we wanted to win the league so much was because our teams that had been going to the Caf Champions' League had been crushing out in the early stages. it is our desire to chance that and I can promise you that we are going to make history."
It was a maiden league title win for Ndiraya who has coached Ngezi Platinum Stars and Dynamos in the past.
Ndiraya was delighted with the league success of the team despite losing the last two matches of the season.
"While we are disappointed with the result, I want to commend my players for their effort throughout the season. Winning the championship was a remarkable achievement, and today’s match was a tough test. Our focus now shifts to preparing for the next season, where we aim to defend our title," he said.
The match itself was cagey at the beginning and offered very limited goalmouth action.
It was not a surprise that the only genuine goal-scoring opportunity fell to captain Walter Musona, who drew a brilliant save from ZPC Kariba goalkeeper Future Sibanda with the last kick of the first half.
The two teams brought a bit of urgency in the second half; Fanuel Shoko tested Taimon Mvula with 15 minutes left on the clock before Taimon Machope hit the upright post at the other end moments later.
Murape then gave ZPC Kariba the lead with a brilliant strike from range in the 80th minute.
Wilson Mensah could have equalised for the champions, but Sibanda produced a smart save late on.
ZPC Kariba head coach Newton Chitehwe was delighted to beat the champions.
"I'm incredibly proud of the team's performance today. We executed our game plan perfectly, especially in the second half. The midfield showed great control, and Murape's goal was a testament to our hard work and determination," Chitehwe said.
"This victory against the champions is a significant boost for us as we look to build momentum for next season. We showed that we can compete with the best, and I believe this win will inspire the team moving forward."
