Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
TELONE have officially confirmed the return of Joel Luphahla as their new head coach, bringing back the man who guided the club to Premier Soccer League promotion in 2018.
The Gweru-based side announced Luphahla’s appointment on Tuesday afternoon, with the former Warriors midfielder taking charge with immediate effect.
Luphahla’s return follows the club’s decision to part ways with Saul Chaminuka, who had been in charge since May.
“TelOne Football Club has appointed Joel Luphahla as their new head coach with immediate effect,” the club announced.
“Luphahla returns to the club he guided to the 2018 Central Region Division One title and top-flight promotion, bringing a wealth of experience and familiar expertise back to [the club].”
The appointment marks the latest chapter in Luphahla’s coaching career, which has taken him to several top-flight clubs since his first spell at TelOne.
He guided TelOne to the Central Region Division One title in 2018, securing their promotion to the PSL.
However, he did not lead the club in their maiden top-flight campaign, with Jairos Tapera subsequently taking over the head-coaching responsibilities as TelOne adjusted its technical set-up to meet coaching qualification requirements.
Luphahla went on to work at Golden Eagles before joining Highlanders, where he served as an assistant coach and later took charge on an interim basis.
He subsequently established himself as a head coach, guiding Simba Bhora to third place in the 2025 PSL season.
That performance earned him the FC Platinum job, but his stay in Zvishavane ended last month after the two parties mutually agreed to part ways.
Now back at TelOne, Luphahla inherits a side in need of a turnaround as the club battles near the foot of the PSL table.
His return also comes with an immediate assignment, with TelOne set to face Dynamos in the Chibuku Super Cup this weekend.
Luphahla is expected to begin work with the players today, leaving him little time to prepare for his first competitive match since returning to the club.
His appointment is TelOne’s second coaching change of the season, following Maruwa’s departure and Chaminuka’s subsequent appointment.
For Luphahla, the challenge is markedly different from his first spell at the club.
This time, he returns not to chase promotion, but to help keep TelOne in the top flight.
