By Advent Shoko
Former Warriors winger Joel “Dubai” Luphahla is set for a return to TelOne, with the Gweru-based club turning to the coach after parting ways with Saul Chaminuka.
Luphahla is expected to take charge of the WiFi Boys as they fight to steady their season and avoid being dragged deeper into the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League relegation battle.
The move comes barely two weeks after Luphahla left FC Platinum.
From Promotion Hero To Relegation Rescuer
Luphahla Gets Another Chance
Luphahla’s return to TelOne comes after FC Platinum confirmed on July 28 that they had mutually parted ways with the former Warriors winger and his technical team.
The Zvishavane club subsequently appointed South African coach Thabo Senong, saying the change was intended to strengthen its technical department for the remainder of the season.
FC Platinum thanked Luphahla for his contribution to the club.
“FC Platinum has mutually parted ways with Head Coach Joel Luphahla and members of his technical staff,” the club said.
“We would like to express our gratitude to Coach Luphahla and his team for their dedication, hard work and contributions to the Club.”
Luphahla now has an opportunity to quickly rebuild his reputation at TelOne.
Chaminuka Pays The Price
Chaminuka’s departure comes after a difficult spell at TelOne.
He was appointed on May 1, replacing Herbert Maruwa, with the immediate task of rescuing the Gweru side from relegation. At the time, TelOne described him as a “veteran of the game” with a wealth of experience.
However, the results failed to improve sufficiently.
TelOne have now decided to end his tenure following a disappointing run and their early exit from the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
The club is yet to publicly announce Chaminuka’s departure, but his exit has paved the way for Luphahla’s return.
A Huge Job Ahead
Luphahla inherits a side that needs stability rather than another lengthy rebuilding project.
TelOne’s recent league results underline the scale of the challenge. They lost 2-0 to Scottland on July 10, after drawing 0-0 with Platinum and 1-1 with MWOS, although they had earlier produced an important 2-1 away win over Simba Bhora.
The WiFi Boys also suffered a 3-0 defeat against Dynamos in June.
For Luphahla, the immediate priority will be to tighten the team, restore confidence and collect enough points to keep TelOne clear of the relegation scrap.
His appointment also gives him a chance to show that his FC Platinum spell was a setback rather than a reflection of his overall coaching ability.
The Dynamos Test
Luphahla’s first major assignment is expected to come in the Chibuku Super Cup, where TelOne face a difficult test against one of his former paymasters, Dynamos.
The Glamour Boys have developed a strong reputation in the competition and were the 2025 Chibuku Super Cup winners, beating Triangle United 1-0 in the final.
That makes the fixture an immediate examination of Luphahla’s ability to organise TelOne under pressure.
For a coach returning to familiar territory, it could hardly be a bigger opening statement.
Luphahla knows TelOne and Zimbabwean football well. What he now needs is results.
The WiFi Boys are not simply looking for a new coach. They are looking for someone capable of keeping them in the Premier Soccer League.
And for “Dubai”, this is another chance to prove he can deliver.
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