Tinaye Tsimba might be down and out, but his spirit is far from defeated.
The Bikita Minerals FC striker recalls the brutal tackle from Isheanesu Mauchi in that fateful matchday 31 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against Simba Bhora FC which left him with a fractured right leg.
It was in the dying minutes of the game, Tsimba was bearing down on goal, and the crude tackle from behind cut off his dreams.
What followed for Tsimba, a long road to recovery, for Bikita a relagation battle lost.
”It was a tough pill to swallow,” Tsimba told Fanzone in an exclusive interview. “One minute I’m on goal, next I’m on the ground, and my season’s gone.”
With Bikita relegated to the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League, Tsimba’s focus shifts to recovery. “June 2026’s my target,” said Tsimba.
But contractual worries cloud his rehab. “Bikita’s been good with medical bills, but salary payments have been dodgy lately.”
Despite this, Tsimba is determined: “I’ll come back stronger, help Bikita bounce back to the Premier League.”
New coach Tonganai Mugeji’s arrival sparks hope. “He knows the way back,” said Tsimba.
Mugeji previously led Bikita to the Premier Soccer League and the former FC Hunters striker believes he will shrug off the injury and help the lithium miners rise.
”I’m not just fighting for myself, I’m fighting for the team, for the fans,” Tsimba says with conviction. “We’ll rise again,” added Tsimba.
