adminPaul Mundandi, Zvishavane Sports Correspondent
DANIEL Vheremu, the FC Platinum centreback, has challenged teammates to brace for a tough encounter on Sunday when they face Sofapaka in a Caf Confederation Cup preliminary round, first leg tie.“We must have good character and the ability to resist the pressure because we will be playing away from home. We played friendly matches and we’ve seen our weaknesses and we’re working hard on them before the game on Sunday.
“The preparations have gone well and everyone worked hard during the pre-season training. I’m happy that there’s unity in our squad, morale is high and everyone’s raring to go,” he said.
FC Platinum, the only Zimbabwe representatives in African club football, will play Sofapaka of Nairobi on Sunday afternoon.
“I’ve a strong belief that we’re going to win the match although I can’t predict the scoreline. I believe in our technical team headed by coach Mapeza (Norman) who has seen it all in Africa and Europe and I rate him the best in the country,” said the 29-year-old captain.
Vheremu, his deputy Thabani Kamusoko, Gift Bello, Aaron Katebe and goalkeeper Petros Mhari are the most experienced players who have also played in Africa and are expected to give guidance and cover to the youthful FC Platinum team.
Bello and Kamusoko played for champions Dynamos with Katebe and Mhari having been to the jungles of Africa with Hwange in the same tournament. The players have also been part of the Warriors with Katebe playing for his country, Zambia.
Vheremu one of the veterans in the FC Platinum squad did not see much action last season as he was battling injuries and weight. He used to get extra-training from his technical team as they wanted him to shed weight.
“I’ve been working very hard and I’m just beginning to gain shape and I hope that I will also be playing an integral part in the team,” said Vheremu.
Emmanuel Mandiranga, Brian Muzondiwa and Wellington Kamudyariwa were added to the side this season.
Tatenda Dzumbunu, Wisdom Mutasa, Walter Musona, Raphael Muduviwa, the Moyo twins Kelvin and Elvis are some of the promising stars in the side. Marshall Mudehwe,Tarisai Rukanda, Winston Mhango might not make the trip to Kenya as they are still to regain their form after suffering injuries last season.
FC Platinum lost Qadr Amin whom they had registered to Dynamos FC.
FC Platinum squad:
Goalkeepers: Petros Mhari, Francis Tizayi
Defenders: Raphael Mudhuviwa, Kelvin Moyo, Elvis Moyo, Gift Bello, Daniel Vheremu, Aaron Katebe, Ian Nekati
Midfielders: Wisdom Mutasa, Simon Shoko,Tatenda Dzumbunu, Raymond Sibanda, Walter Musona, Thabani Kamusoko, Allen Gahadzikwa, Marshall Mudehwe, Brian Muzondiwa, Wellington Kamudyariwa
Strikers: Nelson Maziwisa, Obrey Chirwa, Donald Ngoma, Nigel Papias, Emmanuel Mandiranga
Online Reporter