Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HE’S just halfway through his maiden Premier Soccer League campaign as head coach, but Joel Luphahla is already turning heads, and not just because of results.
There’s something quietly brilliant about the way he operates. In a league often dominated by short term fixes and ego driven decisions, Luphahla has shown the poise of a man who gets it, especially when it comes to man management.
The coach switched camps from Dynamos to Simba Bhora at the start of the season, taking on the challenge of steering a team that’s determined to retain its PSL crown.
But it wasn’t just a handover. He inherited a side in transition. Following the exit of championship winning coach Tonderai Ndiraya, his technical bench, and several key players, Simba Bhora was in desperate need of rebuilding, both tactically and emotionally.
That’s where Luphahla’s Midas instinct kicked in. He moved swiftly to assemble a new look squad, one that included a familiar and promising duo: Emmanuel Ziocha and Donald Mudadi.
These were players he had closely worked with during his time as assistant coach at Dynamos. Along with them came another name, Junior Makunike.
When Luphahla first fielded Mudadi and Makunike together in midfield, the spark was . . . well, missing. The chemistry wasn’t quite there, and their form fell short of expectations. But instead of panicking or benching them indefinitely, Luphahla leaned into what he knew best, faith and finesse. He had seen the magic before.
Back in 2023, the trio of Mudadi, Makunike, and Tanaka Shandirwa, now at CAPS United, had formed one of the most electric midfield combinations in the league. That unit helped Dynamos break a nine year trophy drought by clinching the Chibuku Super Cup. They were energetic, fearless, and in tune with each other.
That momentum, however, was short lived. When the stage was set for a promising run in continental football, Makunike chose a different path and left Dynamos. Meanwhile, Mudadi and Shandirwa struggled to maintain consistency.
Now at Simba, under a coach who understands their journey, Mudadi and Makunike are slowly, but surely coming back to life. Luphahla has found a formula that suits them, emotionally and tactically.
“Sometimes all that these boys need is love,” Luphahla shared.
“You just need to understand them on and off the pitch and then figure out a way to approach the situation to bring the best in them.”
It’s more than just lip service. Luphahla has tailored training routines to fit the duo, focusing on their strengths while gently pushing them to evolve. He’s redeployed them in a double pivot midfield system, Makunike taking on the more defensive responsibilities, shielding the back line, while Mudadi pushes forward, supporting the attack.
The results are beginning to show.
The duo is now bossing the Simba Bhora midfield with a confidence that feels both nostalgic and refreshing. Mudadi is thriving in the offensive link up role, while Makunike is showing signs of his old composure and grit.
And they’re not alone.
Luphahla has also managed to unlock the potential of Isheanesu Mauchi, a towering defender who has emerged as the backbone of Simba’s rear guard. With Mauchi’s steady presence, Simba Bhora have only conceded six goals this season. They currently sit second on the log with 25 points from 13 matches, just two points shy of league leaders MWOS.
Recognition has followed. All three, Mudadi, Makunike and Mauchi have earned call ups to the national team. Fittingly, Luphahla himself has also been named to mentor the Zimbabwe squad at the upcoming COSAFA Cup in South Africa.
Instead of being purely tactical, Luphahla’s success has stemmed from something far more human, relationship building.
“I watched Mudadi and Makunike in 2023 and loved what I saw,” he said.
“So when I got the chance to work with them, I had to try and see how much I can do to bring that back. They are still young; they need the necessary guidance which is what I try to always give them.”
He didn’t stop there.
“Mauchi is disciplined, he has a good work ethic and you don’t need to push him much.”
Simba Bhora, once a team surrounded by uncertainty, now finds itself very much back in the championship conversation. The early season jitters have been replaced by belief, structure, and, crucially, heart.
“I am happy with the progress and the call ups,” Luphahla reflected. “It shows that we are in the right direction.”
