Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, Deputy Echo Editor
Simba Bhora Football Club have announced the departure of head coach Joel Luphahla, bringing to an end a remarkable tenure that saw the Shamva-based side defy the odds to finish third in the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the club confirmed that both parties had agreed to mutually part ways, with Luphahla set to officially leave his post on 31 December 2025.
“Simba Bhora Football Club and the Head Coach Joel Luphahla have reached a consensus and agreed to mutually part ways effective 31 December 2025,” the club said.
Luphahla, who took over at a time when the club was facing an uncertain future after the departure of key players and members of the technical team, is credited with rebuilding the squad and restoring belief within the Simba Bhora fold.
“The coach joined the club at a time when all hope was lost, with key players and the technical staff having moved to other clubs. He assembled a new team altogether that was a force to reckon with and finished third in the 2025 Castle Premier Soccer League,” read the statement.
Simba Bhora said Luphahla’s professionalism and work ethic endeared him to supporters, players and the club’s leadership.
“The coach exhibited great qualities of professionalism and dedication to his work which subsequently caught the hearts of many supporters, executive and the board who fell in love with Coach Joel. His bond and the relationship with the players was truly amazing.”
The club also paid tribute to the impact he had on fans who had been despondent at the start of the season.
“We would want to take this opportunity to publicly appreciate Coach Joel not only for his professionalism and hard work, but also for putting a smile on many Simba Bhora FC supporters who were in despair at the beginning of the 2025 season. Simba Bhora family wishes the coach a brighter future in his coaching career.”
