Dubai breaks silence on ultimatum rumors

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

Simba Bhora coach Joel Luphahla has denied reports that he was facing an ultimatum to deliver results or face the sack. Instead, he expressed gratitude for the support received from club president Simba "Buju" Ndoro and the chairperson as they rebuild the team. "I was never given an ultimatum at all. They have supported me from day one, and they see what we are trying to do," Luphahla said.

Simba Bhora lost their coach Tonderai Ndiraya and almost their entire first XI at the end of last season, with Scotland being the biggest beneficiaries. Despite buying good replacements, Luphahla believes the players are still learning to play together. "It's never easy when you lose quality players who win the league," he said. Simba Bhora has so far won three games, drawn two, and lost one, sitting fourth on the log with 11 points.

Luphahla insists that his team is yet to gel, despite their 4-1 win over Manica Diamonds. "In football, it's difficult to put a time frame on performances. We are lucky that while we are still putting together the pieces, we're not losing that much," he said. The team's morale has remained high, thanks to the support from the club president and chairman. "The morale has always been there because the club president and the club chairman have supported us when we were not getting the desired results, so that alone made the boys believe and stay closer to each other," Luphahla added.

Simba Bhora is competing against strong teams in the PSL, and Luphahla is aware that the season will be challenging. "This will be the most difficult season for anyone competing in the PSL because of the composition of other teams we compete with. We are the defending champions, and that alone makes it even more difficult," he said.

Luphahla has had a successful coaching career, guiding TelOne to promotion from division one and making an impact at Eagles in the second tier. He has also been an assistant coach at Highlanders and Dynamos. "At Eagles, I credit them for shaping me to be the coach I am today; I grew as a coach there, they taught me a lot," he said.

Simba Bhora faces another tough test against Chicken Inn on Monday. Luphahla is aware that he will be judged by results, and the better he shapes up the team, the better. With his experience and the team's determination, there is hope for a positive outcome.