Batswanas take on FC Platinum, Bosso

prolonged mid-season break caused by their national team’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations finals. To keep fit and also try out new combinations BMC opted to tour Zimbabwe.
They have in their ranks former Motor Action and Pigott Maskew striker Mandlenkosi Sibanda. Tafadzwa Ndoro and Hillary Madzivanyika are the other two Zimbabweans in the team.
Sibanda, a lanky forward who is brilliant on the attack and has with age matured to a good passer of the ball, Sibanda could prove a handful for the two Zimbabwe teams.
Takudzwa Ndoro and Hillary Madzivanyika is young brother to former Black Aces midfielder Mike.
“We are here on a training expedition and preparing for the league. We have been off for two months so we want to exploit what is here, get beaten, go home and reflect on the losses. We chose FC Platinum because they have the cream of the crop in Zimbabwe and losing to them will not be a disgrace. They have a good coach who has achieved a lot, a management which wants to take the club to greater heights,” said Daniel Nare the visitors’ coach.
FC Platinum who had a commendable season in their first year in the Premiership last year finishing second behind Dynamos after a momentary collapse towards the dearth of the competition, will be using the match as part of their preparations for the Caf Champions League. They start with an away match to Green Mambas of Swaziland.
After buying a number of seasoned campaigners who include Gilbert Banda, Frank Mulambo, Thandazani Ndlovu, Louis Matawu and Francis Tizayi, Rahman Gumbo will be eager to continue with his search for combinations.
On paper he has a good squad but that counts for nothing. What is important is the result at the end of 90 minutes.
Other than new comers of note, the club already has Tafadzwa Dube, Tsungai Mudzamiri, Ntokozo Tshuma, Daniel Veremu, warrior Zephaniah Ngodzo and his younger brother the stylish Joel and future hit prediction Donald Ngoma.
It seems it will not be long before sponsors of FC Platinum, Mimosa Mining Company starts reaping from its investment. FC Platinum rank among the favourites for honours in the domestic scene and in Africa their only weakness could be lack of experience.
Highlanders treasurer Odiel Nkomo confirmed that the Bulawayo match was on tomorrow.
“I have just been speaking to people from Bulawayo City Council about payment for the use of the stadium. The game is on,” said Nkomo.
Former committee member Siphatho Ncube and Mark Mathe are expected to be in charge of the team having taken the guys through their paces during the course of the week.
Kelvin Kaindu and his assistants Tembo Chuma and Bekithemba Ndlovu were away all week attending a coaching clinic in Harare.
Bosso have had large numbers of players coming to try their luck. The club was after free agents and have promoted several youths to the first team but most seem to be out of depth and are therefore not good enough to carry the burden associated with playing for Highlanders.
Meanwhile, Chicken Inn’s pre-season preparations under new coach Adam Ndlovu get another test when they clash with Motor Action at Ascot Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
Ndlovu replaced Philani Ncube who was fired at the end of the season.
It is Ndlovu’s first coaching job.
Fixtures
Today: FC Platinum v BMC (Mandava Stadium)
Tomorrow: Highlanders v BMC (Barbourfields Stadium)
Chicken Inn v Motor Action (Ascot).