Two Malawians exit as FCP slowly lose faith in Luphahla

Alarm bells are now deafening at FC Platinum as Joel Luphahla is running out of answers as the PSL champions stumble from one poor result to another, with the dressing room leaking talent and confidence in equal measure.

Amid the unconvincing run, Pure Platinum Play have let go of two Malawians, Nickson Nyasulu and Precious Phiri, who arrived amid high expectations during Norman Mapeza‘s era.

Crucially, FC Platinum have managed one win in five games, with two draws and two defeats. They sit on 10th position with 25 points on their tally.

The Zvishavane side sold centre-back Nyasulu to 2025 champions Scottland FC, where he will reunite with coaches, Mapeza and Daniel Vheremu. Nyasulu joins Scottland FC, who won the race for his signature after a tug-of-war with Hardrock FC.

“Some goodbyes are never easy. Today, we say thank you to Nickson Nyasulu for the memories, commitment and passion he gave to FC Platinum.

“You arrived as a player, but you leave as part of the Pure Platinum family,” the club bid farewell to Nyasulu after making 54 appearances for the club.

FC PLATINUM SLOWLY LOSING CONFIDENCE IN JOEL LUPHAHLA

Joel Luphahla during a press conference in Zvishavane. Picture by FC Platinum/Facebook

Meanwhile, midfielder Precious Phiri has left after being frozen out by Luphahla. Phiri, who enjoyed regular game time under Mapeza, was not registered for the 2026 season and had to push for his release after the club initially withheld his clearance.

Phiri has since joined Harare giants CAPS United. Phiri has agreed terms with CAPS United and will link up with fellow Malawian internationals Chawanangwa Kaonga and Lloyd Njaliwa.

In truth, the exits of Nyasulu and Phiri signal a major drop in standards for a side that was among the most attractive in the league in recent seasons.

There is no indication of who will replace the duo, but what is certain is that confidence is critically low at FC Platinum — from the top brass to the technical bench.

Coach Luphahla has consistently said the club is hunting a striker, as they have fired blanks lately. On Sunday, they needed a late equalizer from Garikai Dematsika to salvage a point against Manica Diamonds at Sakubva Stadium.

Meanwhile, Namibian Mbakondja Tjahikika, Ghanaian Emmanuel Dogbey, Cameroonian goalkeeper Manfred Ekoi and Malawian defender Maxwell Paipi are the foreigners remaining at the club.

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