Luphahla embraces ‘avalanche of pressure’

Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub

WHEN Joel Luphahla left his role on the Dynamos coaching staff to take the reins at defending champions Simba Bhora, he wasn’t just stepping into a new job — he was walking straight into the firing line.

This marks his first appointment as head coach in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, and expectations couldn’t be higher. Not only is he tasked with defending the league title, but he also bears the significant responsibility of guiding Simba Bhora into the Caf Champions League later this year. Pressure? It’s more like a mountain of it.

The club hasn’t held back either. Significant pre-season investment brought in quality reinforcements, and the squad was dispatched to South Africa for an intensive training camp — all in pursuit of building on last season’s success, or better yet, surpassing it.

Luphahla openly admits the scrutiny is intense. If Simba Bhora lose — or even draw — his phone starts ringing immediately.

“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,” he said, unfazed.

After a sluggish start to the campaign, Luphahla’s men appear to have found their rhythm. Over 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.”

That mindset was on full display recently. 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.

Now sitting on 25 points from seven wins, four draws, and two defeats, Simba Bhora are in hot pursuit. MWOS cling to top spot with 27 points after a 1–1 draw away to GreenFuel, while Scottland trail closely in third with 23 points and a game in hand following the abandonment of their match against Chicken Inn.

Up next? A titanic clash against Ngezi Platinum Stars — a fixture Luphahla 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 it now. 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.”

With the league heating up, 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. When we play on Saturday, I think maybe they play on Sunday. So if we pick up three points, we’ll be turning the screw on them,” said Luphahla.

Speaking of Saturday, all eyes will be on Ngoni Stadium for what’s shaping up to be the most symbolic clash of the 2025 season: MWOS vs Scottland. This isn’t just a match between first and third place; it’s a derby bursting with meaning, flair, and fire, marking the rebirth of a fierce rivalry and a town’s moment in the spotlight as ambitious newcomers face off.

And you can catch it live on ZTN Prime (Channel 294 on DStv), your home for local football. We’ve got a bumper broadcast lined up, kicking off with our extended build-up show from 2PM. Expect big name guests, behind the scenes exclusives, and all the electricity of matchday in real time.

Don’t miss it.

Fixtures, Castle Lager Premier Soccer League

Saturday:

λ ZPC Kariba v Yadah (Nyamhunga)

λ TelOne v FC Platinum (Ascot)

λ Herentals v Bikita Minerals (Rufaro)

λ Simba Bhora v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Wadzanayi)

λ Manica Diamonds v CAPS United (Sakubva)

λ Chicken Inn v Triangle (Luveve)

λ MWOS v Scottland (Ngoni) – Live on ZTN Prime, Channel 294, from 2PM

Sunday:

λ Dynamos v Highlanders (Rufaro)