Simba Bhora coach Tonderai Ndiraya is happy that his star player Tymon Machope extended his stay with the Shamva-based club, and is looking to build his team around the striker.
Simba Bhora announced on Wednesday that the 29-year-old had signed a new two-year deal, ending speculation over a potential exit.
A number of clubs, including Dynamos, were reportedly circling around the lanky striker, whose initial contract with Simba Bhora was ending on December 31.
Ndiraya expressed satisfaction that the club had managed to retain one of their most prized assets.
“Obviously, Tymon is a very important player for us. Besides his goals, he proved that he can bring a lot of things to this team,” the Simba Bhora mentor said.
“I’m glad that he extended his contract, which is a good decision for him, anyway. Last season was his first time in the Premier League and he did very well, so there was no need for him to change the environment. He is a key player for us and is one player we can build our team around next season.”
Machope joined Simba Bhora in the mid-season transfer window from Easten Region Division One side Midway FC and could only make 12 appearances due to injuries.
However, he managed to score seven goals in those games, on a ratio of a goal every two matches, making him the deadliest striker around.
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He finished the season six goals behind Golden Boot winner Takunda Benhura, who played the entire season.
Machope’s exploits have seen Simba Bhora returning to Eastern Region Division One in search of more “rough diamonds”.
Ndiraya revealed the club has snapped up Harrison Masina, who was voted the Eastern Region Division One best player in the just ended season.
The Hunters FC striker netted 19 goals last season, and many rate him better than Machope.
“The boy has serious potential,” Ndiraya said. “They were competing for the golden boot award before we signed Machope. So when you consider how lethal Machope is, we might have found ourselves a very good striker. It’s a huge gamble, though, but its worth taking.”
Machope had scored five goals for Midway FC before he left for the Premier League, compared to seven that Masina had netted during the same
