FC Platinum coach happy with team’s progress

FORMER Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions FC Platinum wrapped up their two-week training camp in Bulawayo yesterday, with head coach Norman Mapeza expressing satisfaction with the team’s progress.

“We have been conducting our pre-season camps in Bulawayo since 2018. We found out that the atmosphere is comfortable and there is quality infrastructure,” Mapeza said.

“Everything has been going on well; it’s all about the physical part of football. Of course, we had some friendly matches, but 99 percent was about the physical preparation.”

During their training camp, FC Platinum played friendly matches against Zifa Southern Region Division One side Zebra Revolution, a club founded and coached by ex-FC Platinum player Mkhokheli Dube.
Mapeza revealed that his team had focused on physical conditioning, alternating between gym sessions and pitch training.

“The guys (players) are looking okay, we don’t have any injuries after having training games. It was not all about how the guys were playing, it was about how far we have gone with their physical conditioning,” Mapeza said.

The team has granted players a few days off and will regroup on Monday next week.

FC Platinum recently parted ways with four seasoned players, including Lawrence Mhlanga, Rainsome Pavari, Donald Teguru, and Panashe Mutimbanyoka, who joined other clubs.

“That’s the most difficult part. If you lose someone you have been with here for three to four years, bringing someone new is not easy. We lost guys who did very well for us last season.

“They have gone maybe to better their lives, that is what football is all about. It’s getting better opportunities which can take you somewhere in life,” Mapeza said.

**FC Platinum players leaving Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) gym yesterday**

To bolster their squad, FC Platinum have signed three players from Malawi, including defender Nickson Nyasulu, midfielder Precious Phiri, and striker Vincent Nyangulu. The team has also promoted players from their Under-19 team.
Turning to FC Platinum fans, Mapeza emphasised the importance of unity.

“I always tell FC Platinum fans that it is all about unity. In this journey, we are about to start, it’s not all about me alone, it’s about everybody associated with this club; let’s have unity.”
FC Platinum will be looking to reclaim the championship, having missed it for two consecutive seasons.

The team has also appointed ex-CAPS United, ZPC Kariba, and Bulawayo City coach Darlington Dodo as their new assistant coach. —@FungaiMuderere