Online Reporter
Onward Gangata, Zimpapers Sports Hub
JOEL Luphahla has not been in charge at FC Platinum for long, but the early signs already point in the direction he wants to take the club this coming season.
The former Zimbabwe international took over at the Zvishavane side at the end of the year, stepping into the role vacated by Norman Mapeza, who moved on to champions, Scottland.
For many observers, the expectation is clear. The former Simba Bhora gaffer is tasked with shaping Pure Platinum Play into a side capable of mounting a serious title challenge.
Yet even as the ultimate goal remains a return to glory for the Platinum miners, it is the process that appears to matter just as much to Luphahla.
He has leaned into modern coaching methods as part of a wider effort to restore the four-time league champions to their familiar perch.
That approach was underlined yesterday when the club unveiled new members of Luphahla’s backroom staff.
Andile Ndebele has been appointed head performance analyst and set piece coach, Dillion Chivandire comes in as strength and conditioning coach, while Warren Mapanga joins as the new goalkeepers’ coach.
“This is the way football is going; we must not be left behind,” Luphahla told the Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“If you check the world over, that’s how football is being managed, even locally. I don’t think we are the only club to have such coaches.
“As young coaches, we have to be in tandem with the modern trends in football and try to implement them so that we make a positive impact in our league. Our prayer is that the coaches we have incorporated will add value to our project.”
FC Platinum have also been busy reshaping the playing squad after losing several players at the end of the season.
The club has moved swiftly to reinforce, announcing the arrival of speedy winger Garikai Dematsika from Green Fuel, while highly rated McKinonn Mushore joins after leaving Highlanders.
Combative Sheasham midfielder and captain David Mangezi reunites with Luphahla, the pair having previously worked together at TelOne.
They have also secured the services of Yadah defender Takunda Vareta, along with Maxwell Paipi and Tadiwa Muchenje. The club has added Cameroonian goalkeeper Manfred Ekoi, Ghanaian striker Emmanuel Dogbey, and Namibian Tjahikika Mbakondja to complete a diverse intake.
Luphahla said the recruitment drive is built around a long-term vision, with an emphasis on players who can grow with the club while remaining competitive in the present.
“What we are looking for mainly is potential because this is a long-term thing,” stressed Luphahla.
“We are going to be here for some time; therefore, we are looking at players who can be part of the project for a long time, players whom we can nurture and groom into becoming pivotal for the success of the club now and in the future.”
The Zvishavane side will begin their pre-season training on Thursday, once the orientation and induction of new players and members of the technical department has been completed.
