The departure of Joel Luphahla from FC Platinum has sparked contrasting reactions among the club's supporters, with many celebrating the end of his short stint in charge while others believe the coach was not given enough time to rebuild the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League side.

FC Platinum and Luphahla mutually agreed to part ways on Tuesday, bringing an end to a tenure that had increasingly come under scrutiny from the club's faithful following a series of inconsistent performances.

Luphahla was appointed earlier this year to replace long-serving coach Norman Mapeza, inheriting a team that had enjoyed sustained success under the veteran tactician. However, his arrival was accompanied by significant changes to the squad, with several experienced players, including Polyester Shoko, Amicable Sibanda and Nyasulu, among those who left the club.

The squad overhaul failed to convince many MaPlatso supporters, particularly as the team struggled to produce convincing performances and results. The inability to consistently win matches, even at Mandava Stadium, where FC Platinum have traditionally been formidable, intensified criticism of the coach and fuelled calls for his departure.

Soon after the club confirmed Luphahla's exit, social media platforms were flooded with reactions from jubilant supporters who viewed the decision as a fresh start for the former league champions.

"Tinoti Ebenezer nesuwoooo tiri munyashaaaaa zvairemaaaaa zvichirwadzaaaa asi Jehovah matisvitsa panooooo. Famba famba Dubai usacheuke mhanyaaaa," wrote Luckson Mushonga, expressing relief over the coach's departure.

Another supporter, Immanuel Nyoni, questioned some of Luphahla's team selections.

"Good news. You can't bench Oscar Bhebhe after he had produced a man-of-the-match performance. He has been one of our key players," he said.

However, not every supporter agreed with the decision to part ways with the coach. Some argued that Luphahla was still laying the foundations of his project and deserved more time to shape the team after inheriting a squad built under a different philosophy.

"You will see that football is not only played on the pitch. You have chased away Luphahla, who is a good coach. Let's now wait and see if what you did will work," said Office Vuranda.

Another supporter, identified as Sk Sk, drew parallels with one of football's most famous managerial transitions.

"Football is about expectations. When Ferguson left Manchester United, David Moyes struggled because replacing success is never easy. The same applies to Joel Luphahla at FC Platinum. Taking over a winning culture comes with pressure because fans expect the same standards, results and mentality. Sometimes the hardest job in football is not building a legacy, but following one," he said.

The differing reactions underline the enormous expectations surrounding MaPlatso, a club whose recent identity has been built on winning silverware. While supporters were prepared to accept a period of transition, many expected the team to remain competitive despite the squad changes.

Luphahla's decision to reshape the squad represented a long-term vision, but football is often judged by immediate results. Poor performances and inconsistent displays meant patience quickly wore thin, particularly among supporters accustomed to challenging for honours every season.