By Thembelani Moyo
WHEN Simba Bhora lifted the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League trophy, it looked like the club was set to rule Zimbabwean football for years. However, just a few months later, the reigning champions are facing a significant challenge with 13 players, including several key figures, leaving for rival clubs. One of the clubs benefiting from this situation is Scottland FC, a rising team making a name for itself in the transfer market.
The departures, which also included head coach Tonderai Ndiraya, have left Simba Bhora in a scramble to rebuild as they prepare for their first CAF Champions League campaign. Notable players like Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, goalkeeper Talbert Shumba, and midfield star Tichaona Chipunza have all signed with Scottland FC, the Mabvuku-based club that is quickly putting together a strong squad.
Simba Bhora: From champions to chasers?
Simba Bhora’s current situation stands in stark contrast to the optimism that surrounded the club during their title-winning campaign. Despite the challenges, club officials remain determined.
“If we have players who want to leave, we will let them go,” said Simba Bhora spokesperson Charles Nyatsime. “Even if the coach leaves, it means we will have to bring in a new coach and the players he wants to play in the team.”
This practical approach highlights the difficulties many Zimbabwean clubs encounter when competing against the financial strength of newcomers like Scottland FC. The departure of key personnel also raises concerns about their capacity to perform on the continental stage, where they will face well-resourced rivals.
Scottland FC: Ambition meets resources
Scottland FC has swiftly made its mark in the Premier Soccer League. With a substantial US$1.5 million sponsorship from energy giant Sakunda Holdings, the club has quickly outstripped the budgets of established teams like Dynamos and Highlanders, which operate on around US$1 million annually.
The club’s bold recruitment strategy has seen the arrival of 13 new players, including experienced stars like Khama Billiat, who previously played for Yadah FC, and promising talent Nathan Mutasa. Mutasa, the son of socialite Pokello Nare, is being regarded as a potential game-changer for the team.
“This is a new chapter for me,” Mutasa stated during his unveiling. “I want to grow as a player and help Scottland achieve its goals.”
The influx of talent has sparked discussions within the league. While some critics caution that such significant spending could upset the traditional hierarchy of Zimbabwean football, Scottland FC remains steadfast in pursuing their ambitions.
“We are here to compete, not just to participate,” a Scottland FC executive said. “Football is about winning, and we have invested in the right players to achieve that.”
Lessons from abroad: A familiar pattern?
The financial upheaval reshaping Zimbabwean football reflects global trends. Clubs with substantial financial backing have transformed leagues around the world. In England, Manchester City’s rise under Abu Dhabi ownership is a prime example, while in Africa, Tanzanian club Simba SC’s success has been driven by significant investment.
Former Zimbabwean football star Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda recognises the inevitability of this trend but cautions that money alone is insufficient.
“As long as the financial situation doesn’t improve at the big clubs, they can forget about winning the league. That’s the harsh reality,” Sibanda said. “But money alone doesn’t win titles. You need the right management, coaches, and a long-term vision.”
A league in flux
The power shift between Simba Bhora and Scottland FC reflects a Premier Soccer League undergoing significant transformation. With traditional giants like Dynamos and Highlanders struggling to keep pace financially, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent history.
For Simba Bhora, the challenge lies in rebuilding and proving their championship was not a fleeting triumph. For Scottland FC, the pressure is on to translate their investments into results on the pitch.
As the new season approaches, fans are left wondering: Can Simba Bhora reclaim their dominance with a revamped squad, or will Scottland FC’s ambitious project deliver quicker results than anyone expects?
One thing is certain — the 2025 Premier Soccer League will be anything but dull.
