Joel Luphahla has been sacked by the ambitious Northern Region Division One side Golden Eagles.
The 44-year-old former Warriors winger officially left the club by mutual consent on Monday despite his team still being in contention to earn promotion to the topflight Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
He has been replaced by another ex-Warriors star Gilbert Mushangazhike.
We have parted ways with 1st Team Head Coach Joel Lupahla.
Gilbert Mushangazhike takes over with immediate effect.#GondoHarishaye🦅 pic.twitter.com/crpEjS3LZm
— Golden Eagles FC (@GoldenEaglesZim) March 21, 2022
Golden Eagles chairman Barry Manandi said they had mutually agreed to part ways with Luphahla and his assistants Elliot Matsika and Warren Mapanga after a performance review meeting on Sunday.
The meeting came a day after Golden Eagles’ 2-2 draw against Commando Bullets, their second consecutive draw after being held to another 2-2 stalemate by Harare City Cubs the previous weekend.
“Joel Lupahla has today left his role as first-team head coach at Golden Eagles FC by mutual consent. The club can also confirm that assistant coaches Elliott Matsika and Warren Mapanga have also left the Eagles’ nest,” Manandi said in a statement.
“After discussions on Sunday, it was ultimately decided that we would go our separate ways. We would like to thank Joel for his efforts during his time at Golden Eagles and wish him every success in the future.”
Mushangazhike who was the Eagles’ developmental coach has been elevated to the senior team and will be assisted by former Shabanie Mine and Dynamos defender Philip Sithole, who was also part of the developmental structures.
Mushangazhike’s first match in charge will be away to Karoi United at Chikangwe stadium on Wednesday.
Eagles are in third position, three points behind log leaders Herentals U20 but with a game in hand.
Luphahla joined Golden Eagles in 2020 when the Northern Region Division One league finally got underway following a Covid-19 induced break.