Champions Simba Bhora have come out swinging against reports of a looming player exodus, insisting that their "house is in order" ahead of the 2026 campaign.
The Shamva-based outfit moved quickly yesterday to quell mounting speculation that they are on the verge of losing several key pillars, specifically the star duo of Donald Mudadi and Emmanuel Ziocha. The pair has been heavily linked with a move to "free-spending" Harare giants CAPS United as the December transfer window heats up.
However, a senior club source speaking to Zim Now Sports vehemently dismissed the claims, stating that the club has moved past the era of losing talent for free.
The rumors struck a chord with the "Go Buju " faithful, who remember all too well the aftermath of their 2024 championship win. Despite reaching the pinnacle of Zimbabwean football, the club saw a significant portion of its title-winning core lured away by rivals.
“We learnt last season when we lost the majority of our key players to our rivals that we needed to ensure all our players sign at least two-year contracts,” the source revealed.
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“We are already planning for next season as a team and we are happy that most of our senior and experienced players have contracts that will run until next season. Any club that would want to buy a player from us will have to come through our club.”
According to the club, the strategy of longer-term deals means that the vast majority of the current squad is locked in until December 2026. This effectively puts Simba Bhora in a position of power for any potential negotiations regarding Mudadi or Ziocha.
The source further clarified that only two senior players are currently seeing their deals expire on December 31, 2025:
Liberty Chakoroma (Midfielder) Tonderai Mateyaunga (Goalkeeper)
While CAPS United and other suitors may be circling, Simba Bhora appears determined to maintain the spine of the team that competed in the just ended season. By insisting on "due process," the Shamva side has sent a clear message to the rest of the league: their stars are not for sale on the cheap.
“We are gearing up for the next season knowing that we have a solid team,” the source added. “Any club that might want the services of any of our contracted players will have to follow the due process.”
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