Busy day for Zim’s Caf representatives

yesterday as clubs finalised their squad lists with last minute signings.
Premiership runners-up and big spenders FC Platinum naturally led the way amid revelations that their 2011 side is facing an overhaul.
FC Platinum are understood to be bringing in 15 new players in time for the Confederation of African Football’s registration deadline and will in turn offload more than 10 players who were on their books in their maiden season in the top-flight.
Champions Dynamos and FC Platinum will represent the country in the Champions League while Motor Action and Hwange will do duty in the Confederation Cup.
Although much of the attention has been on the pair of Dynamos and FC Platinum, Motor Action and Hwange have also quietly been going abouttheir business and are expected to submit their lists to Zifa by the close of business today.
Dynamos, who held their player awards in the capital last night, had secured five players including the Zambian pair of Derrick Kabwe and Arthur Kaseloki.
DeMbare have also secured the signatures of Motor Action left back Ocean Mushure, Blue Ribbon forward Tinei Chitora and Gunners goalkeeper George Chigova.
With Augustine Mbara being injury prone, Dynamos coach Callisto Pasuwa had by the end of last season begun a hunt for adequate cover in the left back position. Mushure, who is now set to play his third successive year in the Champions League having featured for Monomotapa in 2009 and the Mighty Bulls last year, fitted the bill.
FC Platinum, who were on the verge of claiming the Premiership title in their maiden season, have since acquired the Gunners trio of Qadr Amini, Ali Sadiki and Mitchell Katsvairo.
Shabanie midfielder Rowan Nenzou has also crossed the floor to join FC Platinum, as did the Highlanders duo of Gilbert Banda and Louis Matawu.
FC Platinum executives who were reportedly locked in marathon meetings for the greater part of yesterday were also still chasing for signatures of such players like Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year second runner-up Allen Gahadzikwa.
However, the new signings are coming at the expense of more than 10 players who were on the club’s books this year but whose performances or disciplinary records did not impress the platinum miners.
Players like veteran striker Norman Maroto, Bhekimiplo Ncube, Aleck Marime, Mthulisi Maphosa, Charles Sibanda and Thabani Kamusoko have been linked with the FC Platinum axe.
Former Dynamos midfielder Benjamin Marere also appeared to be on his way out amid indications of a fallout with the club’s leadership after their 1-0 defeat by DeMbare at Mandava but the two parties seemed to have come to an agreement that will see the ex Mwana Africa man staying.
Marere’s Champions League experience is also key to FC Platinum’s continental campaign which they will start with a date against Swaziland’s Green Mamba in the preliminary round.
Hwange secretary-general Burzil Dube said they were busy compiling the final squad by last night but The Herald has it on good authority the coal miners have come up with a provisional 22-man squad that includes seasoned defender Obert Moyo who had a stint with Pretoria University in South Africa.
Provisional squads:
Dynamos:
George Chigova, Washington Arubi, Devon Chafa, Tawanda Muparati, Denver Mukamba, Martin Vengesayi, Augustine Mbara, R. Mutuma, G. Magariro, David Kutyauripo, Gift Bello, Cuthbert Malajila, Phillip Nhete, Leo Kurauzvione, Guthrie Zhokinyi, Partson Jaure, Thomas Magorimbo, Tichaona Mabvura, Ocean Mushure, Tinei Chitora, Chris Semakweri, Derrick Kabwe, Arthur Kaseloki.
Hwange:
Timothy Sibanda, Simba Manuelle, Andrew Chuma, Blessing Sande, David Boriwondo, Try Fortune Ncube, Nkosana Siwela, Fransico Zvekumbavira, Petros Mhari, Aaron Katebe, Sikotilo Lombe, Gilbert Zulu, Winston Mhango, Tongai Mamina, Rodwell Chinyengetere, Ocean Mpofu, Tonisani Sibelo, Munya Mungadze, Obert Moyo, Malvin Longwe, Oscar Lungu.