Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. FC PLATINUM coach Joel Lupahla is determined to forge his own identity and move beyond Norman Mapeza’s shadow, putting together a formidable squad for the 2026 season with the signing of 13 new players.
Lupahla’s aggressive recruitment drive signals a bold new era for FC Platinum, as he seeks to stamp his own identity on the club. With a mix of seasoned internationals and promising local talent, the squad reshuffle reflects his intent not just to maintain the club’s dominance, but to redefine it under his leadership.
Lupahla replaced Mapeza, who parted ways with the club at the end of the 2025 season before joining reigning champions Scottland FC. While retaining at least half of the squad left behind by Mapeza, the former Warriors winger is infusing his preferred players for what promises to be a whirlwind campaign.
On Tuesday, the club announced its new arrivals.
The club’s new signings are a clear statement of intent. Cameroonian goalkeeper Ekoi Manfred headlines the arrivals, joining on a two-year contract. Rated the best goalkeeper in Cameroon’s domestic league in 2024, Manfred adds international experience, having spent three seasons in Spain’s third tier and starred for Cameroon at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations and U17 World Cup in 2019.
The club also lured unheralded strikers, Tjahikika Mbakondja (22) from Namibia and 25-year-old Emmanuel Dogbey from Cameroon.
On the local scene, they also secured Trevor Bhunu from Northern Region Soccer League side Golden Eagles.
They also pinned down defender Takunda Vareta, who left Yadah FC following their relegation from the PSL, and midfielder Maxwell Paipi. Additionally, they have signed midfielders Tadiwa Muchenje from Chicken Inn and Garikai Damatsika from Green Fuel.
David Mangezi, one of the best performers in the Zifa Central Region Soccer League, has also joined the FC Platinum roster, along with Takunda Manyuchi, formerly with Bikita Minerals.
Meanwhile, Lupahla has reunited with McKinnon Mushore, whom he coached at Simba Bhora last season. The rising coach has also brought his trusted team, Ashley Ndebele, Dilloan Chivandire and Warren Mapanga, to bolster his technical team. Ndebele is the new head performance analyst and set-piece coach, Chivandire is the strength and conditioning coach, while Mapanga is the new goalkeepers’ coach.
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