By a Correspondent
South African coach Thabo Senong has finally landed a coaching job in Zimbabwe after being appointed by FC Platinum, months after his controversial move to Highlanders collapsed before he could take charge of the Bulawayo giants.
Senong has been appointed to replace Joel Luphahla, who has parted ways with FC Platinum along with his technical team following a disappointing run of results.
The Zvishavane-based club confirmed the changes in a statement, saying it had mutually agreed to part ways with Luphahla and members of his technical staff.
“FC Platinum has mutually parted ways with Head Coach Joel Luphahla and members of his technical staff,” the club said.
The club thanked Luphahla and his technical team for their “dedication, hard work and contributions” during their time at the club and wished them well in their future endeavours.
Luphahla’s departure comes after a difficult spell in charge of the former Zimbabwean champions, with the club struggling to produce the results expected of a side with ambitions of challenging for honours.
As Senong completes the necessary contractual and registration formalities, coaches Moses Mwafulira and Alexio Sigion will oversee the team’s training and match preparations.
Senong’s appointment marks a remarkable return to Zimbabwean football for the former South Africa Under-20 coach, whose first attempt to take up a coaching role in the country ended in controversy.
The 45-year-old was appointed Highlanders coach earlier this year but his tenure collapsed amid a dispute over his work permit.
Although he had reportedly agreed to a two-year contract with the Bulawayo giants, Senong was unable to take charge of the team after complications surrounding his work permit.
The coach was subsequently ordered to leave Zimbabwe, bringing his brief association with Highlanders to an abrupt end.
Highlanders eventually engaged former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari as their head coach, leaving Senong in the cold.
Senong reportedly rejected an offer to remain at Highlanders as an assistant coach after the club’s decision to appoint Mwaruwari.
His appointment by FC Platinum now gives him a second opportunity to establish himself in Zimbabwean football.
Senong brings considerable coaching experience to FC Platinum, having worked with South Africa’s junior national teams and gained experience in African football.
His immediate challenge will be to stabilise FC Platinum following Luphahla’s departure and improve the team’s fortunes in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
For Senong, the appointment offers a chance to put the Highlanders controversy behind him and finally begin the Zimbabwean coaching career that appeared to have been derailed earlier this year.
For FC Platinum, meanwhile, the arrival of Senong represents a fresh start after the club’s decision to part ways with Luphahla and his technical team.
