adminHow Mine recently signed nine players who have all seen action with the platinum miners and they are on a mission to prove to the Zvishavane side that they deserved to be in the team by collecting maximum points.
The debutants’ coach Philani Mabhena was also in the FC Platinum technical set up until last year, and the former school teacher could also be out to prove a point.
Mabhena said although the bulk of his players were also formerly at FC Platinum, they would not let their previous attachment put them under pressure.
“We are not on a revenge mission and we just want to show FC Platinum what kind of people we are. I had a wonderful time in Zvishavane but tomorrow (today) I am looking for maximum points and we have prepared for the match just like any other game,” said the former FC Platinum mentor.
How Mine have signed nine new players — Menard Mupera, Khumbulani Banda, Josephat Phiri, Lloyd Ngara, Ntokozo Tshuma, Simon Njeleza, Gilbert Banda, Brighton Dube and Nyasha Mpofu.
Apart from Mupera and Tshuma the other seven players are on loan from the Zvishavane miners.
FC Platinum, however, appear unfazed by their opponents and have described How Mine as their reserve side, composed of players who failed to achieve greatness in Zvishavane, saying they have little to show.
“They want to prove a point to us but we are ready for them and after 90 minutes we will see who will have the last laugh. We are not under any pressure at all and we know Mabhena was here and has some idea of how we do things but he also needs to know that since his departure things have changed. We have a new technical set up and new players.
“I am happy because most of the players in our team can score as we rely in team work. We have Nelson (Maziwisa) Donald (Ngoma), Charles (Sibanda) and Sadiki (AIi) who can all score. The match is going to be tough and we have already done our homework but we will not treat them with kid’s gloves”, said FC Platinum assistant coach Tendai Chikuni.
Maziwisa has settled well on his return to the club and scored in their first match against Buffaloes in Mutare on Friday.
Sadiki, who was a hit last season, seems to have started on the same note and How Mine might be in for a terrible time this afternoon if the former Gunners man finds his groove.
FC Platinum skipper Daniel Veremu is expected to thwart any moves by How Mine and will be assisted by Raphael Muduviwa and the Moyo twins — Elvis and Kelvin — who besides being young, look very composed in the heart of defence.
How Mine beat fellow debutants Tripple B when they drilled in two goals on Friday and want to maintain their winning start.
FC Platinum have made no secret of their ambition to win the league title this season.
It, however, looks difficult on paper as How Mine are looking to consolidate their flying start to life in the top-flight.
Online Reporter