Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
BARBOURFIELDS STADIUM is notoriously unwelcoming for visiting teams, and when Highlanders are the hosts, the stakes always feel considerably higher than just three points. Yet, for Simba Bhora head coach Joel Luphahla, this pressure is a welcome challenge.
This Sunday, he returns to the scene of his early glory, not as a former player or adoring fan, but as the man determined to silence the Bosso faithful — a club where many felt his coaching contributions were never truly appreciated.
Luphahla, affectionately known as “Dubai,” forged his reputation at Highlanders in the late 1990s, clinching titles before venturing abroad. However, a later return to Bosso as an assistant coach saw him ultimately sidelined due to licensing regulations, a chapter that likely left a bitter taste.
Now, he’s back with a singular focus: to beat Highlanders, regardless of his storied past with the club.
“We have put pressure on our boys. Sometimes pressure yields good results. If you play without pressure it becomes too easy. We have demanded results. We need to do this for our fans, they have been amazing for us,” Luphahla asserted.
Simba Bhora arrive in Bulawayo sitting second in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table, brimming with confidence. They’ve shown strong form on the road, and as defending champions, the expectation is clear.
“I am hoping that we get three points. We have played well away from home. Of course, the three points won’t come on a silver platter but as the defending champions we need to find a way to win the game,” he said, leaving no doubt about his intentions. The looming fan factor at Barbourfields, expected to be packed to capacity, holds no fear for Luphahla.
“We play in front of thousands of fans at Wadzanayi so in terms of fans, I don’t think our boys will be under pressure. We have always played well there. The pitch is also good for our type of play and I’m hoping we are going there in front of the Highlanders fans to play our normal game.”
For Highlanders, the encounter comes at a delicate time. Without a win in their last three matches, Bosso have slipped to ninth, 11 points adrift of unbeaten leaders MWOS. The recent break, though, may have provided a timely respite.
“The break was quite important. Considering that for the first time this season we played two consecutive games without scoring a goal and also not picking maximum points, during the break we have been working on the conditioning of players,” said Kelvin Kaindu.
Off the pitch, Highlanders have received a significant boost with a US$1 million pledge from businessman Wicknell Chivayo, a donation the club states will enhance its capacity to build long-term sustainability.
However, financial support alone won’’t instantly turn their form around. The last time these two teams met, the match descended into chaos and was ultimately abandoned. Both sides will undoubtedly be hoping for a cleaner, more composed contest this time around.
For Luphahla and Simba Bhora, however, it’s all about keeping emotions in check and delivering a champion’s performance in the most unforgiving of theatres.
“We need to do this for our fans,” Luphahla reiterated. On Sunday, he’ll be hoping his return to Barbourfields is remembered not for past history, but for crucial points secured.
Weekend Fixtures Saturday:
GreenFuel v TelOne (GreenFuel Arena); CAPS United v Chicken Inn (Rufaro Stadium); Ngezi Platinum Stars v Manica Diamonds (Baobab Stadium); Bikita Minerals v Dynamos (Gibbo Stadium) – LIVE on ZTN Prime; Yadah Stars v Herentals College (Heart Stadium); FC Platinum v ZPC Kariba (Mandava Stadium)
Sunday:
Scottland v Kwekwe United (Rufaro Stadium); Triangle v MWOS (Gibbo Stadium) – LIVE on ZTN Prime; Highlanders v Simba Bhora (Barbourfields Stadium)
