daniel chigunweEddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT’S a case of jumping from one hot seat to another for Joel Luphahla.
The former Zimbabwe international was unveiled by reigning champions Simba Bhora yesterday and immediately acknowledged that the weight of expectations is the first hurdle that he needs to conquer in his new job.
Luphahla joined the ambitious Shamva side from Harare giants Dynamos, where he had revived his coaching career as assistant to Lloyd Chigowe during the second half of last season.
Speaking after his unveiling, Luphahla said Simba Bhora set the bar high last year when they won the championship under Tonderai Ndiraya, who has since moved to free-spending new boys Scottland.
“I know the expectations from the people of Shamva are very high. And I am very confident that I, my staff, and the playing personnel that we’ve assembled are going to bring smiles,” he said.
“Last season was very good for the club; they won the league title. So, we are coming here under pressure, of course, to make sure that we maintain what the club achieved last season.
“It’s not going to be easy. And I’m hoping that the people of Shamva are going to accept me. They’re going to carry me on their shoulders,” said Luphahla.
The former Zimbabwe international forward’s immediate task will be to assemble a competitive side after Simba Bhora parted with 13 players, including Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, who captained the side last season.
The club also announced the departure of midfielder Vassili Kawe, Tichaona Chipunza, Mthokozosi Msebe, Onifade Abubakar, Patson Jaure, Perfect Chikwende, Albert Manenji, Valentine Musarurwa, Simbarashe Maramwidze, former Warriors winger Talent Chawapihwa, and two goalkeepers, Talbert Shumba and Tymon Mvula.
But they have already started filling the void after announcing the signing of exciting midfielders Blessed Ndereki and Tinotenda Meke, as well as former Zimbabwe youth international Nathan Mutasa.
Simba Bhora have also been linked with former DeMbare midfielder Donald Mudadi.
Luphahla, who was involved in the continental game with Dynamos last year featuring the CAF Confederation Cup, will be back in African football trenches leading Simba Bhora in the prestigious Champions League.
He is also anticipating a good welcome at Wadzanai, where Simba have been dominant, losing only once on home turf in the last campaign.
“I’m very excited to be here in Shamva,” Luphahla said.
“This pitch gives me a lot of mixed emotions. I remember my first time as a coach in Division One; I was here. I got trounced 3-0 by Simba when we were still in Division One. I’m excited to be back here again to lead Simba.
“This is a very good team, one of the biggest teams, because you don’t win the league when you’re not a big team. I’m excited.”
While Luphahla was all smiles as he was being unveiled, it was a sombre moment for Genesis Mangombe, who confirmed his exit from Premiership debutants Scottland, penning a heartfelt message to the club’s supporters.
His tenure lasted only five months, having joined the club in the ZIFA Northern Region Soccer League mid-season from the Glamour Boys in August.
Despite winning the second-tier league title and the sole promotion ticket, Mangombe was replaced by Simba Bhora’s title-winning coach, Ndiraya, who was unveiled this week.
“To the 12th men of Scottland Football Club, thank you so much for the unconditional support you gave me during my tenure at the club in the 2024 season as the head coach,” wrote Mangombe.
“You sacrificed a lot of your time, energy, and resources to attend every match of the club, singing in loud voices, which was the best motivation for the team to win the 2024 Northern Region Championship and enter the top-flight league.
“You welcomed me with open arms from day one; we celebrated together all the wins we had during my tenure and cried together in the handful of draws we had that felt like defeats. I appreciate you with all my heart.
“It is unfortunate that we are going separate ways in the 2025 season, but you will always have a special place in my heart now and in the future.
“Continue to support the team even more than the way you did in the previous season and motivate the boys to victory week in and week out,” said Mangombe.
Online Reporter
