HARARE – Simba Bhora beat Arenel Movers 1-0 at Luveve Stadium on Wednesday to clinch the premiership title with two matches still to be played in Zimbabwe topflight football’s 2024 campaign.
Skipper Walter Musona scored just 6 minutes into the clash to give Simba Bhora a slender but legendary victory which confirmed the Shamva-based side as kings of Zimbabwean football.
With the victory, Simba Bhora notched up an unassailable 66 points and are a distant 9 points ahead of second-placed FC Platinum who can only end the season on 63 should they win their last two matches.
It is the second time a football team from one of the country’s glamour backwaters has lifted the premiership title. Previously, the trophy has only been exchanged among clubs based in major towns such as Harare, Bulawayo and Zvishavane.
Ngezi Platinum, a side based in Mhondoro-Ngezi, broke the jinx last season when they were crowned champions against all odds.
The 2024 premiership title is also a piece of history for hardworking football mentor Tonderai Ndiraya who has tried the feat with no success in his previous employment as Dynamos and later Ngezi Platinum dugout boss.
On his part, Musona has written his own piece of history by winning the title with two different teams in a period of three years.
The Warriors star formed the nucleus of FC Platinum side which won four consecutive league titles with the last being in the 2022 season.
In other Match Day 32 fixtures, Highlanders suffered a humiliating 2-0 defeat away to Bikita Minerals at Sakubva while Dynamos played to a goalless draw away to ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga.
FC Platinum were 1-0 victors over Bulawayo Chiefs at Maglas as Herentals College continued with their strong finish to the season following a 1-0 defeat of Chegutu Pirates at Rufaro.
Chicken Inn played a 1-1 draw with dethroned champions Ngezi Platinum at Barbourfields while Green Fuel beat Hwange 1-0 at Green Fuel Arena.
