Online Reporter
Mugove Chigada
Deputy Sports Editor – Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHEN South African Thabo Senong walks into Mandava for what promises to be a historic journey with former champions FC Platinum, the expectation will be immediate and unforgiving.
But away from the fanfare, FC Platinum may need a dose of realism. The terrain of the Castle Lager Premiership has shifted beneath them.
Joel Luphahla’s sacking this week was a stark statement from a club still ambitious and desperate to avoid being dragged into the murky waters at the bottom.
Yet the writing has been on the wall for some time. Not even a change in the dugout can alter the reflection staring back at them.
In an exclusive interview with Zimpapers Sports Hub, club chief executive Collin Nikisi painted a picture of a club that remains intact and unwilling to deviate from their policy, even under pressure.
“We do things that are sustainable. We are clear on our goals, and we believe we can still get results,” said Nikisi.
But long before Nikisi’s arrival in 2025, FC Platinum’s position in the domestic league was already under threat.
In 2023, they finished 11 points adrift of eventual champions Ngezi Platinum. The 2024 champions, Simba Bhora, ended the season five points ahead of them. Last year, champions Scottland were 20 points better off.
Yet behind the walls at Mandava, where the memory of four titles won in a row remains a fresh legacy that must not be distorted, there is insistence that a clear plan exists to return to the summit.
“We understand things have changed with the coming in of new clubs. And that also means the competition has increased,” Nikisi said.
“But we also believe we have quality players, and it is unfortunate it didn’t work out with coach Joe.”
It is difficult, however, to ignore that in 2011, when FC Platinum were still new to the PSL, they occupied the very position Scottland hold now.
