FC Platinum get campaign underway

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
FC PLATINUM will not look at the crisis currently rocking the football landscape in Kenya as they hope to start their Confederation Cup campaign on a sound note against the East African country’s representatives Sofapaka tomorrow.

Kugona Kunenge Kudada left the country yesterday morning with a squad of 19 players, which appeared to be a good mixture of youth and experience.

The teams will clash tomorrow at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.

Kick-off is 2pm Zimbabwe time.

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza said they were looking to make a positive start to make their job easier in the reverse leg at home.

Their opponents, however, have been caught up in the discord following the breakdown of relations between the country’s football association and the Kenya Premier League, which has attracted the attention of world football governing body FIFA.

As a result, the club was this week fined US$2 000 for taking part in a league cup competition that was not sanctioned by the Kenya Football Federation.

Mapeza said he watched the match in question on Wednesday evening as Sofapaka lost 2-1 to Gor Mahia in the season-warming DSTv Super Cup.

“I watched them play in a Cup game during the week, which they lost. But I must say they are a good team, after all, and have bigger players,” said Mapeza.

“As the hosts, obviously, they will be looking to make use of home advantage, but at the end of the day we also need to come back with a positive result.

“Playing away first has its own advantages because you will get to know your opponents better, especially as you plan for the return leg.”

FC Platinum are hoping to make a huge impact on their return to the continental stage.

They played in the Champions League in 2012, but despite making a bright start against Green Mamba of Swaziland in the preliminary round, they could not go past the first round hurdle when they fell to El Merreikh of Sudan.

Mapeza is looking to get the most out of old horses like Thabani Kamusoko, Gift Bello, Donald Ngoma and Nelson Maziwisa, who all have Champions League experience under their belts.

Unfortunately, their captain Daniel Veremu and midfielder Allen Gahadzikwa were dropped because of fitness concerns.

However, Mapeza has been brave enough to include a host of youthful players like Tatenda Dzumbunu, Walter Musona, Brian Muzondiwa, Wisdom Mutasa, Wellington Kamudyariwa, Nigel Papias and the Moyo twins, Kelvin and Elvis.

“Everything is fine. We have done our best in preparations; the guys are excited and we are all looking forward to the trip. It’s the first time for a number of our players to play in such a competition.

“So, it’s a new challenge to most of these guys. I believe they need this exposure. I am happy, too, we have some national Under-23 players in the set-up.

“The experience will help them because these are the same guys who should be playing in the national team.

“So, it’s not only good for FC Platinum, but the country as well. But at the end of the day what is important is to go out there and get a positive result,” said Mapeza.

FC Platinum are the only Zimbabwean team in the Caf competitions this year and Mapeza said it was important to raise the country’s flag high.

“I know all Zimbabweans are behind us. As FC Platinum, we always appreciate the support that we get from the fans.

“If everything goes according to plan, we will not disappoint them,” he said.

The team was expected to conduct a light training upon arrival and will today have a feel of the match venue.

Sofapaka were off-season, but they have played a couple of preparatory matches against local and regional teams.

Their assistant coach David Ouma is pleased with the way their pre-season campaign has gone.

“So far so good. The first two phases of our pre-season have gone according to plan.

“Although we have not hit the right notes, we are satisfied with our signings. We feel we have the depth, even on the bench.

“The only absentees are Frankline Miheso, who is still in Finland and Eugene Asike who is working on his fitness,” said Ouma.