Joel Luphahla takes over as FC Platinum coach

FC Platinum have announced the appointment of Joel Luphahla as their new head coach, marking a swift return to top-flight management for the former Zimbabwe international following the exit of Norman Mapeza.

The move comes just weeks after Luphahla left Simba Bhora, where he guided the Shamva-based club to a remarkable third-place finish in the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, eight points behind champions Scottland FC. His departure was confirmed by Simba Bhora in a statement indicating that the two parties had "mutually agreed to part ways" upon the expiry of his contract on December 31, 2025.

The club commended Luphahla for stabilising and rebuilding their squad after the loss of several senior players, crediting him for steering the team to one of their most successful campaigns to date.

FC Platinum acted quickly to secure Luphahla as they begin a new chapter after Mapeza's trophy-laden tenure, which brought two league championships and established the club as perennial title contenders. Luphahla is expected to take charge immediately, beginning preseason preparations with sights firmly set on restoring the club to the summit of domestic football in 2026.