GABORONE — Botswana-based Zimbabwean businessman Tendani Sebata has extended heartfelt support to Zimbabwean football champions Simba Bhora ahead of their decisive second-leg CAF Champions League tie against Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs this Sunday at Somhlolo Stadium.
Sebata, a well-known figure in Southern African business circles, recently hosted Simba Bhora at his club Black Lions’ base in Gaborone for a two-day training camp before they traveled to Eswatini for the high-stakes encounter. His gesture was seen as both a boost for the players’ morale and a demonstration of solidarity within the Zimbabwean sporting fraternity.
In an exclusive interview with Nehanda Radio, Sebata expressed his optimism and support for the team, saying:
“Wishing Simba Bhora the best of luck for their second round until the finals. We want the CAF Cup in Zimbabwe.”
His remarks resonated deeply with football fans who see Simba Bhora’s campaign as a chance to shine on the continental stage and to restore pride in Zimbabwean club football.
The first leg of the CAF Champions League tie took place last Sunday in Francistown, Botswana, where Simba Bhora secured a narrow but important 1-0 victory over Nsingizini Hotspurs. The goal, scored in a tense match, gives the Zimbabwean side a slender advantage heading into the return leg.
Zimbabwean Businessman Tendani Sebata Sends Support to Simba Bhora Ahead of CAF Clash
The outcome means Simba Bhora need to avoid defeat in Eswatini to advance to the next round of the prestigious continental competition. If successful, they will face the winner of the other second-round fixture between Botswana’s Gaborone United and Tanzania’s Simba SC — a matchup that promises intense competition and high drama.
The stakes could not be higher, as progression deeper into the CAF Champions League represents not only sporting glory but also financial rewards and an opportunity to cement Zimbabwe’s standing in African football.
Simba Bhora’s head coach, Joel Luphahla, cautioned against complacency despite the first-leg advantage. Speaking ahead of the return match, he said:
“The return leg is not going to be easy. We have to prepare ourselves mentally and make sure we concentrate on the match, not the result we got today, because it will be a whole different game.”
His comments underscored the importance of focus and discipline in high-pressure continental football, where single goals can determine the fate of entire campaigns.
Coach Luphahla’s emphasis on mental preparation reflects an understanding that football is as much a psychological battle as a physical one, especially in the CAF Champions League where away games can turn fixtures on their head.
The hosts for Sunday’s second leg, Nsingizini Hotspurs, have vowed not to give up without a fight. Their coach, Mandla Qhogi, issued a stern warning to Simba Bhora, making clear that the tie was far from decided.
“It’s not over. They must come ready for the second leg because we will dig deep. We are going to make it difficult for them — we are really determined,” Qhogi said.
His words highlight the fierce competition awaiting both teams, with home advantage potentially playing a decisive role in the outcome. Nsingizini Hotspurs will be relying heavily on their home fans at Somhlolo Stadium to spur them on in what promises to be a pulsating encounter.
Sebata’s involvement in the Simba Bhora camp is part of a broader pattern of Zimbabwean business leaders showing support for national football clubs competing on the continental stage. His gesture reflects a growing recognition of sport’s unifying power and its role in fostering national pride.
By hosting the team ahead of the crucial fixture, Sebata not only provided logistical support but also offered moral encouragement — a factor that players and coaching staff alike acknowledge can make a difference in high-pressure tournaments.
For Sebata, the aspirations go beyond a single match. He envisions Zimbabwean football making a strong statement in Africa:
“We need to support our teams so that they can compete at the highest level. Simba Bhora have shown they can stand up to the challenge, and we must all stand with them.”
His call echoes the sentiment of many Zimbabwean sports fans who see continental competitions as a platform to elevate local talent and enhance the country’s sporting reputation.
Sunday’s second leg promises to be a spectacle of skill, strategy, and national pride. With Simba Bhora carrying a one-goal advantage into the tie, and Nsingizini Hotspurs determined to overturn the deficit, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter at Somhlolo Stadium.
For Tendani Sebata, the match is more than just a sporting contest — it is an opportunity to celebrate Zimbabwean excellence abroad and to rally behind a team that carries the hopes of a nation. His support reflects a broader call to action for Zimbabweans to unite behind their champions as they fight for glory on the African stage.
Whether Simba Bhora advance to face Gaborone United or Tanzania’s Simba SC, one thing is certain — the passion and determination they carry into the second leg will be a testament to the spirit of Zimbabwean football.
Source- Nehandaradio
