Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
JOEL Luphahla says he is a man who thrives under pressure.
He knew what he was going into when he accepted the offer to become the new Simba Bhora head coach.
“I thrive under pressure. Look, we are the defending champions. When I came here, of course it’s my first season in the PSL as head coach, but the pressure was there.
“They said, ‘coach, when you’re number one, where do you go from there?’ I said, ‘number one,’ because you can’t say from number one you want to drop to number two.
“So, the pressure was always going to be there. That’s why every time we draw, it feels like a loss. You know once that final whistle blows, the calls come in from left, right, and centre.
“But I’m prepared for that. I think the pressure brings out the best in me, and in the players.”
After a sluggish start to the campaign, Lupahla’s men seem to have found their rhythm.
In the past month, they’ve clawed their way back into the title conversation, trimming the gap behind surprise leaders MWOS to just two points.
“I said to my boys, let’s focus on our own pace. Let’s focus on what we are doing. Because if we’re on our phones checking how MWOS or Scottland are playing, we’ll lose the plot.”
Simba Bhora dispatched CAPS United with a commanding 3-1 win at Rufaro and have notched up seven goals in their last two games, a statement of intent if ever there was one.
Up next?
A titanic clash against Ngezi Platinum Stars, a fixture Lupahla knows could shape the title race.
“I think we started very slow. If you look at the first four or five games, we didn’t score many goals. But they’re starting to get in now,” he said.
“Going up against Ngezi now, it’ll give the boys confidence. These last two wins help a lot, because this season is tough.
“You draw or lose and you’re left behind. So we have to keep piling the pressure on the teams above us.”
Simba Bhora’s match on Saturday gives them the chance to crank the heat even higher.
“We’re focusing on our games. We’ve got a tough one at home versus Ngezi. And if you look at the other teams, they’ll be cancelling each other out. It’s going to be interesting.
On the same day, all eyes will be at Ngoni for what’s being billed as the most symbolic clash of the 2025 season, MWOS vs Scottland.
It’s not just a football match. It’s a rivalry reborn. It’s a town’s moment in the spotlight.
And you can catch it live on ZTN Prime (Channel 294 on DStv), your home for local football.
