When will Jarrison Selemani return? FCP coach Luphahla responds

FC Platinum coach Joel Luphahla has revealed the possible return date for their talisman, Jarrison Selemani, who is nursing an injury.

The 2025 Soccer Star of the Year finalist was injured during last month’s Mukuru 4 Nations tournament. Since then, Selemani, who usually leads Pure Platinum Play’s forward movements, has been absent.

In his absence, Garikai Dematsika has been their mainstay, having played a blinder in their last three matches against Highlanders FC, Bulawayo Chiefs, and Dynamos FC.

On a brighter note, Luphahla is relieved Selemani is nearing his return, having resumed training. However, he will not be available for selection when they host MWOS FC at Mandava in a potentially thrilling PSL Matchday 8 fixture.

“I am happy that he has resumed training on the grass, but he will not be available. Chances are high that he will be available for our away match against Simba Bhora,” Luphahla said.

“We are glad to have so many players available. You noticed that we introduced a number of players against Dynamos. We are hoping that we win games and keep up with the leading teams.”

LUPHAHLA FRETTING OVER LACK OF CONSISTENCY

Joel Luphahla during a match at Rufaro Stadium. Picture by Libertino

Luphahla remains worried that his team has been inconsistent, failing to grind out consistent wins. So far, they have managed two wins in seven matches, four draws, and a defeat.

“We seem to be drawing a lot of matches, and we want to try and put up a good run of wins, so that we can also close the gap on the leading teams. But at the present moment, it’s win, draw, win, draw, which is not good enough. We need to improve. The players, they know it. The technical staff, we know it,” he added.

“We need to improve because I think with the quality that we have, we shouldn’t be distracted from wins. But at the moment, we seem not to be getting on the groove. So we are working hard and trying to stay calm, as calm as we can, so that we can put together a good run of wins, two or three wins. The confidence will be there for the players.

“Once we build the confidence, I think you could see that this team plays good football. But like I say, we just need to be calm and not put ourselves under a lot of pressure. But also not forgetting the mandate that we need to start winning, and we need to also stay close to the other teams that are leading.”

LUPHAHLA VERSUS MUTASA AT MANDAVA STADIUM

On facing the Lloyd Mutasa-led MWOS FC, Luphahla said: “We don’t read much into the previous results of what they have done or what we did over the weekend. But we are playing at home, obviously in front of our fans.

“We need to make sure that we collect the full three points. No disrespect to MWOS, I think they are an amazing team, they have an amazing coach with a lot of experience. He was also coached here at FC Platinum.

“So it’s going to be an interesting game, but we need to get back to winning ways. We tried everything over the weekend in Harare to win the match, but I think with a little bit of calmness and a little bit of sharpness in front of goal, it’s a match that we could have won.”

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