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Veronica Gwaze-Sports Reporter

WEBSTER “Jita” Tafa is an unsung hero at ambitious Castle Lager Premiership side Simba Bhora, where he has been a vital cog in the Shamva-based side. 

Jita has started in all their 22 games so far and has been among outstanding players in the team, stamping his authority at the heart of Simba’s defence which has only let in 17 goals in this campaign. 

Currently, Simba lead the PSL race with 43 points, just one ahead of FC Platinum while reigning champions Ngezi Platinum and Highlanders follow with 37 and 36 points respectively. 

“Whenever I step on the pitch, my main focus is on giving it my all because for me, football is life,” said Tafa. Everyday, I push hard to play my part in helping the team to achieve its target, and appearing for every match means I am doing things right.” 

Tafa, who is one of the senior players who played a key role in Simba Bhora’s promotion into the  top-flight, believes that special recognition will come in God’s time. 

While he chooses to remain modest, this is not the first time that he has played a crucial yet uncelebrated role. 

The defender was also instrumental in Mushowani’s promotion to the top-flight in 2018 after winning the ZIFA Northern Region Division One League championship. 

Sadly, the team’s stay in the PSL was short-lived as they were demoted that same year. 

However, at the end of that season, the astute defender alongside Clive Dzingai, Clemence Gobvu, and Evans Katema found new homes, with Tafa signing for Caps United on a two-year deal. 

The Covid-19 pandemic was to derail his start at Makepekepe hence Tafa had to wait for the 2021 Chibuku Super Cup to make his debut. 

As fate would have it, he picked a nasty knee injury during the cup tournament. 

It was during his recovery period that Simba came for his signature as they sought to bolster their squad in the quest for promotion to PSL. 

A season later, the Shamva side fulfilled its ambitions, with Tafa as an instrumental player. 

“When I reflect on my football journey, I never imagined that things would turn out this way so whatever the situation, I have over the years I learnt to be grateful even for the little things in life.” 

Tafa provides that defensive shield when Simba are on the back foot, and also comes up with long-range passes when the team is on the break. 

He will be expected to play a key role when they face Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow. 

After beating DeMbare 1- 0 in the reverse fixture, courtesy of a Walter Musona goal, Tafa and his mates seek to complete double on the blue army.

Having featured for two teams in their promotion marathons, he understands the importance of picking maximum points in such fixtures. 

“Sitting top on the log standings is tricky; there is a need to safeguard against unnecessary pressure or even complacency and this is what we should look out for.. 

“We need to step out and play our game as we will have planned it, the championship is a game of intelligence and patience so we need to maintain our play to continue picking points. 

“We are now in the season’s final lap so we do not want to lose points because every one of them is important for us in light of our target. 

“The fact that Dynamos will be home away from home is an advantage although they have a good support base in Bulawayo but the fact that we are both visitors at BF should count for us.”