Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHEN FC Platinum head coach Joel Luphahla walked off the pitch after falling 2-0 to MWOS at Ngoni Stadium on Saturday, he visibly cut a dejected figure carrying a heavy heart.
To the youthful gaffer, the Zvishavane-based side had played well, just like they have done in their other Premier Soccer League games.
But how they failed to convert was the question boggling his mind.
The former champions have had it rough in the season, winning once in their past nine games, recording their worst run since the club’s promotion to the Premier Soccer League in 2011.
Luphahla takes full responsibility of his side’s current predicament, citing that it is unfair for a club that invested a lot in player recruitment this season.
“It is disappointing when we drop points like this, right now we are already in the relegation zone, and for such a team, it’s unacceptable,” he said.
“With the investment that the club has put into the team, I feel that we are letting them and the supporters down, and I have to be the first one to put my hand up to take responsibility as the leader.
“I feel that at the present moment we are not doing justice for them, we have let the people of Zvishavane down, and we quickly have to come up with a solution.”
FC Platinum currently have 31 points to their record after conceding 17 times while they have found the back of the net 16 times.
Their recruitment has also not gone unnoticed after recently bringing in former Simba Bhora striker Isaska Gurirab, who even scored in his debut in platinum colours.
Gurirab would have been expected to support Jarrison Selemani, who has been a consistent goal getter for the team in the past, but now struggles to make the team.
While his squad looks competitive on paper, Luphahla believes that they have numerous moments when there is a lapse in concentration.
“If you look at our games, we take control most of the time, but the same thing, we do not score while we also concede silly goals, through our own errors.
“Sadly, we have senior players and internationals who should understand how to deal with such situations with ease,” he said.
While Luphahla believes that his side will soon start winning their games and that they still have good chances in the coming Cup games, he notes that more needs to be done.
“ I have nothing to take away from the games that they are playing; you can see that they want the points, but in a few moments, they mentally drift away from the game,” he said.
“The opponents make use of the chances they create, while we fluff with ours . . . like we are not anticipating in most cases.
“We need to introspect on the psychological aspect.”
Criticism has been mounting over the weeks.
“I have learnt to live with it, maybe I was never meant to be celebrated because all I know is persecution and criticism whenever,” he said.
“I have a football passion that forces me to take positives in every situation, so I will continue to do that. I trust the process, and it is a matter of time before we hit the right code.
“That is what football is all about, you stand for what you love and fight for it, we are doing everything that we can so that soon get back on our feet and swallow the harsh words and pressure are part of the journey.
“I know how it feels to be a player and not win games, but a championship is a marathon in which you lose some and win some.”
