By Jeremiah Gora
If there is one man who can be likened to a cat with nine lives in Zimbabwean football, it is South African coach Thabo Senong.
Just months after a bizarre coaching saga at Highlanders in which he was unveiled as head coach but never took charge of a single training session or match, Senong has resurfaced at FC Platinum, where he has been appointed to replace Joel Luphahla.
His latest appointment marks a remarkable turnaround for the highly-rated coach, whose Zimbabwean adventure appeared over before it had even begun.
On January 4, Highlanders officially announced Senong as their new head coach, with club legend Mkhokheli Dube returning as assistant coach.
The Bulawayo giants hailed Senong’s impressive résumé, highlighting his experience with South Africa’s senior and Under-20 national teams, Lesotho’s senior national side, and his success in leading South Africa to the 2013 COSAFA Under-20 title.
“Coach Senong brings a wealth of experience at elite level football… His strong background in youth development, tactical organisation, and team building makes him a valuable addition to the Bosso technical team,” Highlanders said at the time.
The club also warmly welcomed both coaches, expressing confidence they would lead Bosso into a successful new era.
However, in one of the most dramatic twists of the 2026 pre-season, Highlanders reversed course just 20 days later.
On January 24, the club announced former Zimbabwe captain Benjani Mwaruwari as its new head coach, describing him as “a respected figure and legend of the game” capable of leading the club into “an exciting new trajectory.”
The announcement effectively ended Senong’s tenure before it had begun, with the South African never occupying the Highlanders dugout for a competitive or friendly match.
Despite the setback, Senong’s coaching fortunes have taken another turn.
FC Platinum confirmed this week that they had mutually parted ways with head coach Joel Luphahla and his technical team before naming Senong as his successor, subject to contractual and registration formalities.
“We would like to express our gratitude to Coach Luphahla and his team for their dedication, hard work and contributions to the Club, and we wish them continued success in their future endeavours,” FC Platinum said in a statement.
The Zvishavane-based side added: “The Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Thabo Senong as Head Coach, subject to the completion of contractual and registration formalities.”
Assistant coaches Moses Mwafulira and Alexio Sigion will oversee training until the formalities surrounding Senong’s appointment are completed.
For Senong, the move represents another opportunity to prove his credentials in Zimbabwe after his unexpected Bosso chapter ended before it even started.
In football, careers can change overnight. Senong has experienced both extremes within a matter of months—from being unveiled with great fanfare, to disappearing without a single game in charge, and now returning to the Premier Soccer League with one of the country’s most ambitious clubs.
Like the proverbial cat with many lives, Senong has landed on his feet once again.
The challenge now is to ensure this latest chapter lasts much longer than the last.
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