adminEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
AMBITIOUS Premiership side FC Platinum are looking to mount a strong challenge when the season kicks off this weekend with the semi-finals of the Independence Cup. The top four teams from last season will take part in the tournament and the platinum miners are expected to go into the hat today together with champions Dynamos, Harare City and Highlanders.
FC Platinum finished fourth last year but were yesterday still guessing who their opponents would be as Zifa were still to decide on the format to be used to pair the teams in the semis and the venues to be used for the matches.
However, the team’s assistant coach Masimba Dinyero yesterday said his side was ready to face any team in the tournament.
The platinum miners won the tournament in 2012 edition, which again featured the top four teams from the previous season, after beating Motor Action in a penalty shootout at the National Sports Stadium.
Dinyero said they were looking beyond the Independence Cup as the club has grand dreams this year.
“We all know that Cup games are unpredictable but I can say we are now physically and mentally prepared for the new season,” said Dinyero.
“We have noticed lots of improvement from the friendly games that we have played so far.
“But it looks like the new season is going to be interesting because all teams are investing a lot in terms of preparations.
“We have seen them buying new players and I am sure every game should be taken seriously no matter which team you face.
“This Independence Cup tournament will be of great importance because it will give us the barometer to gauge how far we have gone in terms of readiness.
“Our aim is to win as many trophies as possible. So we have to wait for the draw to be conducted and we are prepared to face any team in the cup competition.”
It appears FC Platinum are looking to building momentum as they are coming from a 2-0 home win over Highlanders in a friendly at Mandava last Saturday.
Their coach, Lloyd Mutasa, and his technical team have been busy since they began preparing for the new season with a trip to Kariba in January.
They have played several matches since then against teams like ZPC Kariba, Bantu Rovers, Highlanders, Shabanie Mine, Chapungu, Chegutu Pirates, Triangle and Chiredzi United.
They have beefed up their squad with experienced players such as Njabulo Ncube, James Marufu, Gift Bello, Steven Sibanda and Tarisai Rukanda.
The coaches are also seeking to blend youth with experience after acquiring the services of Walter Musona and Wisdom Mutasa.
The duo will form part of their Under-20 quota as they join Emaculate Mauna, Livingston Genti and goalkeeper Godfrey Chisango who are getting promoted from the juniors.
The Zvishavane side had a good head start when they bagged the CG Msipa Scholarship Trust after accounting for returnees Chapungu 2-0.
The tournament also featured giants Highlanders and Shabanie Mine.
“Overall, our preparations are going on well. In terms of fitness and combinations, these guys are coming up well and we just hope to keep on improving,” said Dinyero.
Online Reporter