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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
THE former Warriors’ duo of Joel “Dubai” Luphahla and Danisa Phiri and ex-Highlanders star winger Siza Khoza are set to make a sensational return to topflight action when the transfer window opens next week.

The three have completed deals with Tsholotsho FC and would be expected to play a big role in inspiring the Premiership newcomers out of the murky relegation waters in the second half of the season.

The Zhwane Boys are third from the bottom of the table with 10 points from 11 outings and are in dire need of changes in fortunes if they are to survive the chop.

This week Tsholotsho FC have a chance to bounce back and collect maximum points when they host Flame Lily at White City Stadium on Sunday. Tsholotsho lost their last encounter 0-2 to Triangle United at Gibbo.

The experienced trio of Luphahla, Khoza and Phiri will watch the Flame Lily game from the terraces and will only be available for selection for the Week 15 away game against ZPC Kariba.

Chronicle Sport has it on good authority that Luphahla, Phiri and Khoza, who have been training with the squad for two weeks, were offered six-month contracts.

Impeccable sources said the three players, who won the championship with Highlanders a decade ago, have been brought in to instil confidence among players.

“What was realised is that the players that we have need to work on self-belief and we saw it proper to have the three coming on board. They have been training with the team and they look good. You can’t say that they have been out of competitive football for some time. Everyone at the club believes they can help the team avoid relegation,” said the source.

Tsholotsho FC have been playing well in terms of creating chances, but have failed to turn their dominance into goals.

Almost all of their players are in their maiden Premiership season save for Kudzi Machazane, who has had spells with now-defunct Hardbody and Highlanders.

Tsholotsho FC coach Lizwe Sweswe said he is on the hunt for forwards when the transfer window opens on July 1.

About Luphahla, Phiri and Khoza, Sweswe said the trio is just training with his squad.

“Nothing concrete has emerged with the players you are asking about. They have only been training with us so that they push the boys to work hard. As for signing them, we will have to see how training progresses in the coming weeks. It might be possible to have them,” said Sweswe.

Luphahla, Phiri and Khoza could be PSL’s oldest players.

Luphahla, whose illustrious career took him to Europe, is 38 years old while Phiri turns 36 next month. Khoza, who has five championship medals to his name — four with Highlanders and one with Caps United, is also above 36 years.