Luphahla in relegation storm

TelOne coach Joel Luphahla faces the prospect of seeing the Gweru side relegated from the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, with the Wi-Fi Boys needing a victory in their next match to keep their survival hopes alive.

TelOne travel to Wadzanayi on Saturday to face fellow relegation-threatened side AGAMA in a crucial encounter that could determine their fate as the season enters its final stretch.

The team's situation worsened last weekend after they suffered a 3-2 home defeat to newcomers FC Hunters, leaving them on the brink of relegation.

Luphahla, who helped TelOne secure their maiden promotion to the top flight in 2019, returned to the club in August but has struggled to turn around their fortunes.

"We are also disappointed, but we are going to continue pushing," he said.

"We are going away to AGAMA. It's going to be difficult as well, but we want to salvage the pride. We want to do it properly for the players as well."

He admitted that the team's confidence had been affected by a run of disappointing results, despite showing promising football in some matches.

Luphahla has overseen five league matches since his return, recording two draws and three defeats. He was appointed with TelOne sitting 16th after earlier struggles under coaches Herbert Maruwa and Saul Chaminuka.

The Wi-Fi Boys have 22 points from 30 matches and are nine points adrift of safety, with only three games remaining. Their survival hopes are therefore hanging by a thread.

Despite having experienced players such as Frank Makarati, Donald Teguru, Bruno Mtigo, Silas Songani, Chelsea Nyakope and Marvellous Chigumira, TelOne have struggled to turn performances into victories.

Luphahla's return has also been complicated by his lack of the required CAF A Licence to qualify as head coach, despite his previous success in guiding the club into the Premiership.

Meanwhile, Triangle United are also facing relegation danger and could join Manica Diamonds in dropping out of the top flight if they fail to beat Simba Bhora at Gibbo.

Triangle have 23 points and have been unable to pull themselves clear of danger under coach Genesis Mangombe. Manica Diamonds are already confirmed relegated and will host Bulawayo Chiefs at Sakubva on Sunday.

Other clubs still caught in the relegation battle include Bulawayo Chiefs, who have 31 points, AGAMA on 28 and ZPC Kariba on 32.

Bulawayo Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino remains confident that his side can preserve its Premiership status, with the club holding a three-point advantage over AGAMA.

"What is important for us is to maintain that position or go better than that," Nyikadzino said.

He added that the club would continue working to improve its performances and consolidate its position in the league.

With only three matches left, the battle for survival is intensifying, and the results this weekend could prove decisive for several clubs fighting to remain in Zimbabwe's top-flight football.

Fixtures:

Saturday: Herentals v FC Platinum (Rufaro), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Dynamos (Baobab), Chicken Inn v ZPC Kariba (Luveve)

Sunday: Triangle v Simba Bhora (Gibbo), AGAMA v TelOne (Wadzanayi), Manica Diamonds v Bulawayo Chiefs (Sakubva), Hardrock v MWOS (Chahwanda), FC Hunters v Highlanders (Rufaro)

Thursday (October 29): CAPS United v Scottland (Rufaro)