Andrew
Online Reporter
JOEL LUPHAHLA has become the first major casualty of the intense and yet exciting battle for the Ruyamuro Northern Region Division One League championship race.
The former Zimbabwe international winger, who played professional football in South Africa and Cyprus, has parted ways with third-placed Golden Eagles.
A brief statement from the club chairman, Barry Manandi, on Monday revealed that Luphahla and his assistants, Elliot Matsika and Warren Mapanga, “have left the Eagles’ nest following a meeting between the executive committee and the gaffer.”
Eagles have also wasted no time in hiring Luphahla’s replacement with another former Warriors international, Gilbert Mushangazhike, taking over the reins.
Mushangazhike, who had a long career that took him to South Africa and China, will be assisted by Philip Sithole.
“Joel Luphahla has left his role as first team head coach at Golden Eagles by mutual consent.
“The club can also confirm that assistant coaches Elliot Matsika and Warren Mapanga have also left the Eagles’ nest,” Manandi said.
“After our discussions on Sunday it was ultimately decided that we would go our separate ways.
“We would like to thank Joel for his efforts during his time at Golden Eagles and wish him every success in the future.
“Gilbert Mushangazhike takes over with immediate effect and will be assisted by Philip Sithole,” Manandi said.
Mushangazhike, who was already in the club structures, working as a developmental coach will have little time to warm up to his new role as his first assignment will be an away fixture to Karoi United at Chikangwe on Wednesday.
Eagles have made no secret of their ambitions to win promotion into the Premiership on their first onslaught on the Division One title.
In a league that has returned from the Covid-19 induced two-year hiatus with a bang, the Northern Region has been a theatre of some fierce and exciting encounters with little room for any margin of error from any team including those on the lower end.
Although the league is only entering Match Day 13 this week, it is probably against the background of the intense competition that has also attracted huge spectator interest, that Eagles have moved in to relieve former Highlanders forward Luphahla of his duties.
Golden Eagles have dropped four crucial points in their last two games, which could have seen them topple Herentals U20 from the summit of the log standings.
They are third and three points by Herentals U20 and second placed Simba Bhora with whom they have the same number of points 27, but the Eagles have an inferior goal difference.
Online Reporter