Luphahla demands resurgence

Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub

Simba Bhora coach Joel Luphahla is refusing to hit the panic button despite watching his side stumble to a frustrating 1-0 defeat at the hands of Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday, extending their sluggish start to the season.

The defending champions have been a shadow of the ruthless force that stormed to the title last year.

Four matches into their campaign, they sit in an unfamiliar 12th position, managing just five points from a possible 12.

A solitary victory, two draws, and now a bitter loss to a Dynamos outfit that had been winless prior to Sunday have put early pressure on Luphahla’s tenure.

What makes their struggles more alarming is their glaring lack of firepower upfront. In four outings, they have found the back of the net only once, courtesy of Namibian forward Isakar Gurirab.

A team that mesmerised defences last season now finds itself gasping for attacking inspiration.

Luphahla, however, remains steadfast in his belief that Simba Bhora will turn the tide. The coach, who took over from title-winning gaffer Tonderai Ndiraya in January, acknowledges the transitional challenges but insists his side is only a few games away from hitting full throttle.

“Overall, I think the boys are trying. They are doing their best, and so is the management. Everyone is putting in the effort, and it’s just a matter of time before we click,” said Luphahla.

“We had anticipated that maybe by game number six, we would start to see our best. Some of the players joined us late, after our pre-season tour in South Africa, so we are still trying to integrate them with the rest of the squad.”

But time is not a luxury in football, especially when you are defending champions. Luphahla’s men must quickly rediscover their rhythm, and that means solving their biggest problem, scoring goals.

Sunday’s performance against Dynamos was another worrying example. Simba Bhora barely created clear-cut chances, leaving their travelling fans from Shamva frustrated.

“We didn’t create chances (against Dynamos), maybe just half-chances. But at the end of the day, we have played four games and have scored only one goal, it’s a worry, a big concern,” admitted Luphahla.

“It’s even more painful for our fans. They travelled all the way from Shamva, they never stopped cheering us, but they had to go back home empty-handed. That hurts us as a team. We need to start rewarding their loyalty.”

Next up for Simba Bhora is a tricky assignment against an unpredictable TelOne side, fresh from their stunning victory over CAPS United. Luphahla knows his side cannot afford another slip-up.

“We are under pressure. We are playing at home, and we need to respond after the loss to Dynamos. But football is football, it has to be played, and we have to be ready,” he said.

“The competition is very tough this season. There are no small teams anymore. If TelOne can beat CAPS United, that shows how well-prepared teams are. We also feel we have prepared well, and it’s just a matter of time before things start going our way. I am very confident in my squad and what we are trying to build.”

Simba Bhora opened their campaign with a goalless draw against FC Platinum, followed by another stalemate with ZPC Kariba. They secured their only win so far by edging Herentals 1-0, before succumbing to Dynamos.

Luphahla admits the match against his former employers had extra intensity, with Dynamos desperate to prove a point against their former assistant coach.

“It was always going to be a tough game against Dynamos. The boys gave their best, but Dynamos were more motivated. Maybe it was because I was with them last season, and they didn’t want to lose to their former coach,” said Luphahla.

“But credit to them, they did well, probably better than us. That said, I remain very confident in my team. We are still working on how to finish off matches. That’s the missing link right now.”

With the champions searching for a resurgence, all eyes will be on their response against TelOne. A win could reignite their title charge. Another setback, however, could turn the heat up on Luphahla and his rebuilding project.

The weekend promises explosive action as Simba Bhora fights to reclaim their identity, while the rest of the league jostles for supremacy. Can the champions rise from their slumber, or is a deeper crisis looming? The answer awaits at Wadzanayi Stadium.

Castle Lager PSL Matchday Five Fixtures

Saturday: Simba Bhora vs TelOne (Wadzanayi Stadium), Manica Diamonds vs Dynamos (Sakubva Stadium), Chicken Inn vs Herentals (Luveve Stadium), MWOS vs ZPC Kariba (Baobab Stadium), Kwekwe United vs FC Platinum (Bata Stadium), Green Fuel vs Yadah (Green Fuel Arena), Scottland vs Bikita Minerals (Rufaro Stadium)

Sunday: Triangle vs Highlanders (Gibbo Stadium), CAPS United vs Ngezi Platinum Stars (Rufaro Stadium)