adminThe Zambian coach’s first competitive game, in charge of FC Platinum, will be against a CAPS United side desperate to regain its glory days as the Cup Kings of this country.
Chilumba joined FC Platinum at the beginning of the year and has been tasked with winning the league championship. There is an air of grand expectations at FC Platinum, who also shook their boardroom in a major way with George Mawere replacing his old boss Nathan Shoko as club president and Chilumba being recruited to lead the technical team.
The Zambian said he was comfortable with taking on CAPS United after his team swept away local rivals Shabanie 2-0 in a charity tie at the same stadium on Sunday.
“I was happy with the draw. I am happy we have avoided Monomotapa. We will give CAPS United a very good match and we are ready to meet them on Saturday,” said Chilumba.
“My players are raring to go and we have a very good squad. I do not see CAPS United giving us a hard time here at Mandava as fans will be rallying behind the team.”
Since his arrival Chilumba has been gaining respect with each passing day from the players, the executive and the fans. Unlike Rahman Gumbo, who did not interact with the local community, Chilumba prefers to be part of this mining town and that has impressed the club’s fans.
FC Platinum are unbeaten, winning all their four pre-season matches under Chilumba, including two played in Zambia, since he took over.
His team will face a CAPS United that is telling the world that it is rebuilding its team, mixing some young players with the old guard like skipper Tapiwa Khumbuyana, and buoyant after beating Black Rhinos 2-0 in the ZNA Charity Shield at Rufaro.
Brenna Msiska remains in charge of the club, in a caretaker role, with Norman Mapeza the main target to head the CAPS United technical department.
The Green Machine have one of the best players on the domestic football scene, midfielder Hardlife Zvirekwi, who will be a key figure this season while a lot of goals will be expected from Leonard Fiyado.
Midfielder Rahman Kutsanzira was poor in the game against Rhinos but is one of their key men while Ronald Pfungidzai, a leftback, was snatched from Hippo Valley.
“We have no names in our team,” CAPS United team manager, Josphat Rwafa, told The Herald.
“I just want to warn Platinum that we have a very young man we scouted from Pamushana High by the name Takudzwa (Muhore) who is going to cause havoc.
“We are going to Zvishavane to take the trophy back to Harare, where it belongs.”
FC Platinum were beaten home and away by CAPS United last season.
Ali Sadiki, who is expected to be key in the FC Platinum attack, said he was confident of winning tomorrow.
“We are going to win as a team. I am not so sure whether I will score but I just want to advise CAPS United that we are going to beat them,’ he said. Qadr Amin is injured and is out of the clash.
Zambian international defender, Aaron Katebe, is also out of the tie as he is yet to secure a work permit.
Donald Ngoma, Nelson Maziwisa, Mitchelle Katsvairo and Charles Sibanda are the other members of what appears to be a potent strikeforce. With Joel Ngodzo, Welcome Ndiweni, Allan Gahadzikwa and Mheli Sibanda battling for the midfield places and the experience of Daniel Veremu, in defence, helped by Raphel Mudhuviwa, Thabani Kamusoko and Elvis and Kelvin Moyo, they have a balanced side.
Online Reporter