Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Warriors and Highlanders winger Joel Luphahla has acknowledged that being head coach comes with a lot of pressure.
Fondly known as Dubai, Luphahla assumed his first job as head coach at Simba Bhora early this year, having previously worked as assistant coach at Bosso and Dynamos.
He had however shown much potential in lower divisions, helping TelOne win their first promotion and Eagles (near-promotion).
In the Premiership, at the helm of the reigning champions, Simba, luphahla for the first time feels the heat.
“We have been trying hard as a team. Football is a pressure game and I have been feeling the heat as a coach. This is my first time to be a head coach, I am a family man who has been trying to balance my duties. Hopefully, we will come right,” said Luphahla.
The former Warriors and Highlanders star has been fighting on many fronts, having also recently managed to get his CAF B licence in a class that saw many falling by the way side.
Luphahla proved he is just as slick with the clipboard as he was with the ball at his feet.
“I’m very happy with this achievement. It wasn’t easy — many sleepless nights, a lot of studying. But I stayed the course. Now it’s time to go for my Caf A licence!” said Luphahla.
Luphahla’s sharp rise comes at a time when Simba Bhora need a fresh mind to navigate through 2025 challenges and defend their crown.
From the dusty grounds in Tsholotsho to continental coaching, Dubai is proving that class is permanent.
“It all needs patience and a collective effort. I think as a club we are going to progress well,” said Luphahla.
After a slow start to the new campaign in which they fired blanks in draws against FC Platinum and ZPC Kariba, Luphahla’s side has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks but he feels his charges are nowhere near their peak. — @FungaiMuderere.
derick.khumalo