Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
SIMBA Bhora coach Joel Luphahla is facing mounting pressure as the defending champions continue to falter in the closing stages of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
The young coach has been nothing short of exceptional in his first season after taking over from Tonderai Ndiraya who left the defending champions for the ambitious new boys Scottland.
Luphahla started strongly, maintaining proximity with the top clubs before he assumed control on Match Day 16.
Since then, Simba Bhora were on top of the log before they were dislodged by Scottland two weeks ago.
The defending champions’ grip on the title race continues to loosen after being held to a goalless draw by Triangle United this Sunday.
It was yet another frustrating afternoon for Simba Bhora who have now gone for four league matches without a win.
The Shamva-based side played out to a goalless draw against Green Fuel and Scottland before falling one-nil to CAPS United at home before this Sunday’s stalemate.
Factoring in their CAF Champions League outings, Simba Bhora are winless in six consecutive matches, a rare slump for a side that has bossed the league for much of the campaign.
Led by the unassuming Luphahla, Simba Bhora seemed destined for back-to-back titles.
However, with just four matches to go, they now find themselves three points adrift of log leaders Scottland.
The big question remains. Is Luphahla buckling under the weight of expectation, or can he rally his troops for one final push to retain the crown?
The answer is on the other side of four weeks.
