By Advent Shoko
FC Platinum have parted ways with head coach Joel ‘Dubai’ Luphahla and appointed South African coach Thabo Senong as his replacement, the Zimbabwe Castle Lager Premier Soccer League club announced on Tuesday.
The club said the two parties had “mutually parted ways“, ending Luphahla’s tenure with immediate effect as FC Platinum look to revive their campaign with nine league matches still to play. The former Warriors, SuperSport United and Silver Stars winger joined the Platinum miners ahead of the 2026 season replacing Norman Mapeza who had moved to Scottland FC.
In a statement, the club confirmed that Senong will take over once contractual and registration formalities have been completed.
“FC Platinum has mutually parted ways with Head Coach Joel Luphahla and members of his technical staff.
“We would like to express our gratitude to Coach Luphahla and his team for their dedication, hard work and contributions to the Club, and we wish them continued success in their future endeavours.
“The Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Thabo Senong as Head Coach, subject to the completion of contractual and registration formalities.
“In the interim, Coaches Moses Mwafulira and Alexio Sigion will take charge of training and preparations for the team.
“We extend a warm welcome to Coach Senong as he joins the FC Platinum family, and we look forward to an exciting new chapter under his leadership.”
The club also thanked its supporters, sponsors and stakeholders for their continued backing.
Senong Returns To Zimbabwe
Senong’s appointment marks a return to Zimbabwe just months after his dramatic failed move to Highlanders.
Earlier this year, the South African tactician had agreed to become Highlanders’ head coach and travelled to Zimbabwe to begin work. However, the move collapsed before he could take charge after Benjani Mwaruwari was handed the coaching role following intervention by the club’s benefactor, Wicknell Chivayo.
The unexpected turn of events forced Senong to return to South Africa without managing a single competitive match for Bosso.
Now, six months later, he is back in Zimbabwe with another opportunity—this time at four-time league champions FC Platinum.
He replaces Luphahla who leaves the Zvishavane-based club sitting in the bottom half of the Premier Soccer League table despite still having nine matches left to salvage their season.
Zimbabwe Becoming A Destination For Top Coaches And Players
Senong’s arrival is another sign of Zimbabwean football’s growing appeal within the COSAFA region.
In recent years, several local clubs have improved their financial muscle by paying salaries in United States dollars, making the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League an increasingly attractive destination for players and coaches from across Southern Africa.
Some clubs are now reportedly capable of paying coaches as much as US$10,000 per month, with ambitious sides such as Scottland and Hardrock among those leading the way.
The improved financial packages have also lured several high-profile Zimbabwean internationals back home, including Khama Billiat, Prince Dube, Washington Arubi, Knowledge Musona, Emmanuel Jalai and Gerald Takwara.
FC Platinum will now hope Senong’s experience can help reverse the club’s fortunes and finish the season strongly as they prepare for the final stretch of the league campaign.
Leave a Reply