Bosso coach scored own goal: Club legend
HIGHLANDERS FC by virtue of being one of the oldest clubs in Zimbabwe has produced a number of midfielders that have produced stellar performances in the field of play and left indelible marks in the annals of football.
One of those midfielders who donned the black and white jersey and walked the football journey with Bosso as Highlanders is popularly known is Willie “Matholwane” Luphahla. Luphahla was born at Mpilo Central Hospital in 1956, in a family of five children. He and his brother Kainot played soccer, both of them turned out for Highlanders.
He grew up in Mzilikazi, a suburb that is touted to be one of the best conveyor belts of footballers who have exhibited their football artistry in the football scene. Decorated veteran football great Barry Daka watched Luphahla during his hey days. He shared: “He was a great ball distributor and was known for discipline. He featured in a friendly match when Highlanders locked horns with Orlando Pirates in South Africa.”
The yesteryear football talent that was churned out of Mzilikazi football machinery and charmed many include Ben Makadzange, Mercedes “Rambo” Sibanda, Philemon Dangarembwa, Nqobizitha Maenzanise, Muzondiwa “Lazy Mzoe” Mugadza, Richard Choruma just to mention a few.
Luphahla’s association with Highlanders started when he was attending Mzilikazi Primary School in 1963. His friends at the school were passionate Highlanders supporters as such they rubbed off their affection to him.
He was 12 years old then when he joined Highlanders. He rose through the ranks to break into the senior team. He has fond memories of his debut match.
“The season was in the early stages, we played Gweru United. Although I cannot remember the name of Gweru United defender who gave me a torrid time, as such I failed to even make more than two shots on target,” he said.
But he never lost confidence, he continued working on his performance and he improved. As a result he became a regular member of the senior team. He played alongside Ephraim Moyo Mloyi, Majuta Mpofu, Tymon Mabaleka, Josiah Nxumalo, Jimmy Nxumalo, Peter Zimuto, and Doubty Sithole, Douglas “British” Mloyi, Tennyson Mloyi and Zenzo Ndlovu.
He says his most memorable game was when his side clashed against Caps United in the Zifa Cup final.
“In the first encounter I provided two assists, as a result we drew 2-2 but sadly in the replay we were defeated 2-0,”he says.
Luphahla says following that encounter with Makepeke, Highlanders fans coined a nickname for him. They affectionately called him Matholwane. He explains the meaning of the moniker.
“I was one of the players who were of short height and small stature, so fans jokingly equated my height to that of a goblin ( umatholwane). Because in our African culture it is widely believed that a goblin is of short height,” he says with a chuckle.
Luphahla rarely missed any game unless if he was nursing an injury. He attributes that to discipline and dedication.
“During my playing days I avoided drugs and alcohol because I knew that was going to wreck my career,” he says. He has advice for the upcoming players. “A player should have a vision. This will help him to focus on his set objective. Furthermore it would help the player to avoid pitfalls that could be a hindrance in the achievement of the objectives such as playing in prestigious leagues like EPL and La Liga,” he said.
The matches, just like now, that pitted his side against Dynamos were epic and duly took football fans to the moon and back.
“The rivalry between Highlanders and Dynamos was there and it generated a lot of interest from football fans and pundits. Back then the stadium would be full to capacity by 11am. Fans got the value for their money as players produced entertaining football,” he said.
However, he turns back the hands of time with a bitter memory when his side was drubbed by Dynamos in an Independence Cup final in Harare.
“We were beaten 5-0 by Dynamos in an Independence Cup final at Rufaro Stadium. The referee of the day was biased against us and players reacted angrily to that poor officiating. When the referee pointed at the penalty spot Majuta Mpofu quickly picked the ball and threw it into the terraces, as a result he was red-carded,” he said.
That Dynamos side was a formidable force that was difficult to defeat and had quality players who set the football scene alight with their foot work. Players like George “Mastermind” Shaya, Oliver Kateya, and the then Marimo (now Chidzambwa) brothers Misheck and Sunday.
Luphahla was part of that Bosso squad that broke ranks with Rhodesia National Football League to form the South Zone Soccer League in 1976. Bosso arrived at that bitter decision after Rhodesia National Football League awarded DeMbare a walker over following incessant rains that left Barbourfields Stadium unplayable.
Sadly his career was to end after an eight-year dance with Highlanders after he broke his leg when he was involved in a hard tussle for a ball against Fanuel Mabika who turned for the now defunct South Zone outfit Portuguese FC in 1981.
He says after calling it quits he played social soccer for an outfit called Lions. But now he is not involved in anything.
He says in the domestic football scene he admired former Dynamos midfield general Shaya. He spoke glowingly about him.
“I was a great admirer of George Shaya and I tried to fashion my style of play alongside his. He was the greatest and most skilful midfielder in Zimbabwe,” he says.
He says locally he is a staunch supporter of Highlanders; abroad he is an ardent follower of Liverpool FC.
Commenting on Highlanders’ bad spell Luphahla says: “The season has not ended but the head coach Erol Akbay has made a public announcement that he will tender his resignation at the end of the season. I think this will demoralise some of the players, consequently the results will be poor. He should not have done so.”
He says next season Highlanders should hire its former player.
“Considering the fact that the club doesn’t have money and is facing a huge debt, I think it is wiser for the executive to hire a Highlanders former player. He will stand by the team in both a purple patch and bad spell,” he said.
Luphahla was blessed with three children. He worships at United Congregational Church of Southern Africa.