Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER champions FC Platinum have parted ways with coach Joel Luphahla and his technical team following a poor run of results that has left the four-time kings of the domestic game out of the reckoning for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race.
Instead, the Zvishavane miners, languishing in 11th position, are closer to the drop zone than they are to the championship title in an intriguing 2026 season that has seen resurgent giants Dynamos, Highlanders, and CAPS United also having a say in the race.
In announcing Luphahla’s departure yesterday, FC Platinum immediately revealed the appointment of South African Thabo Senong as his successor.
Senong had a false start to his coaching stint in Zimbabwe, having been deported after performing his duties before he had been granted a work permit when he had been named Highlanders coach at the start of the year.
FC Platinum, probably mindful of the embarrassment which Senong suffered earlier in the year, also insisted that confirmation of the South African was subject to the completion of contractual and registration formalities.
The club also took the opportunity to thank Luphahla for his services despite the former Zimbabwe international winger having endured a nightmarish stint in Zvishavane since his December 2025 appointment.
Luphahla struggled to fill in the shoes of his predecessor Norman Mapeza, who had become a serial winner in his decade-long stay at FC Platinum, where the respected won three of the club’s four championships.
“FC Platinum has mutually parted ways with head coach Joel Luphahla and members of his technical staff,” read a club statement.
“We would like to express our gratitude to coach Luphahla and his team for their dedication, hard work, and contributions to the club, and we wish them continued success in their future endeavours.”
Luphahla leaves FC Platinum with 31 points from 25 league matches after six victories, 13 draws, and six defeats.
His side scored 16 goals and conceded 19, giving him a win rate of 24 percent and an average of 1.24 points per match.
Pressure had intensified following a run of one victory in nine league games.
The only success during that period was a 1-0 away win over Bulawayo Chiefs, which was followed by defeats against Dynamos at home and MWOS away.
Luphahla joined FC Platinum in December 2025 as Norman Mapeza’s replacement but struggled to sustain a challenge for the championship.
“The club is pleased to announce the appointment of Thabo Senong as head coach, subject to the completion of contractual and registration formalities,” said FC Platinum.
Moses Mwafulirwa and Alexio Sigion will take charge of training and oversee the team’s preparations until Senong’s appointment is completed.
