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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO Chiefs’ trio of midfielder Ishmael Wadi, goalkeeper Wallace Magalane and defender Last Sithole have moved to Premier Soccer League side FC Platinum after passing medicals with the Zvishavane side on Tuesday. The trio was accompanied to Zvishavane by their club coach Thulani Sibanda and sports scientist Bhekuzulu Khumalo.
Chiefs’ owner Lovemore Sibanda confirmed that the three were now in the FC Platinum books and believes they will realise their potential under former national team coach Norman Mapeza. Sibanda declined to reveal details of the deal, referring all inquiries to FC Platinum.
“Unfortunately I can’t divulge details of the deal because this is between Chiefs and FC Platinum. What I’m pleased to tell you is that Wadi, Magalane and Sithole have completed moves to FC Platinum after passing their medicals,” said Sibanda.
“We wish them the best at their new home because as a club we feel that their needs will be catered for at FC Platinum. The Zvishavane side also has an experienced coach in Mapeza and I’m confident that they will develop into world class players at FC Platinum.”
Efforts to get a comment from FC Platinum spokesperson Chido Chizvondo last night were fruitless as her mobile phone continuously rang unanswered.
Wadi, Magalane and Sithole had attracted interest from a number of PSL clubs that include Highlanders, How Mine and Bulawayo City. Sibanda was charmed at FC Platinum’s level of professionalism, saying they will also copy the practice of taking players through medical examinations.
The platinum miners are probably the only PSL team that demands players to undergo medicals before signing them. How Mine were dealt a blow at the beginning of the year when they signed an injured Tawanda Muparati, who went on to spend the first half of the season on the sidelines and only featured for the gold miners in the last 10 games of the season.
Sibanda also took a swipe at some PSL clubs for trying to bypass them and negotiate directly with the players. “It seems teams in the topflight have been closely following the progress of our players and as it is, some of our boys will be joining other PSL clubs soon. We don’t stand in the players’ way if they so wish to move, but our major concern is that some PSL clubs think they can boss us around and steal players from us.
“Some have even gone to the extent of forging players’ contracts and we shall expose them if they don’t reform. We spend a lot of money developing and taking care of players’ welfare only for some to think they can get our players just like that. How I wish all clubs can be as professional as FC Platinum,” said Sibanda.
derick.khumalo