Chronicle Editor
Mukudzei Chingwere in ZVISHAVANE
FC Platinum have confirmed they rebuffed South African Premiership side Ajax Cape Town’s $20 000 bid for midfield hardman Gerald Takwara, saying it was too little.
Reports say the miners wanted in excess of $50 000 for the player but still risk to lose him for free when his contract lapses in December. “We are at an important stage of the season and it is better to have him in the team for the remainder of the season than to take the paltry amount offered by Ajax,” FC Platinum media liaison officer Chido Chizondo said yesterday.
“Ajax Cape Town tabled an offer which we rejected, what they offered was far from the price we value our player. We want to see our players joining better leagues and we will not block their moves but we will not undervalue our players to force moves.
“His mind is now here with us and the player is ready to help the club win trophies. ”We will, however, offer him a new contract at the club, very soon we will start negotiating with the player, but if he does not agree an extension it does not matter.
“We are at an important stage of the season and it is better to have him in the team for the remainder of the season than to take the paltry amount offered by Ajax.”
The 22-year-old, who provided the important midfield solidity as the Warriors powered to an unprecedented fifth COSAFA Castle Cup, impressed a number of South African Premiership sides prompting the Cape Town side to table an official offer, after a short trial stint with coach Stanley Menzo’s men.
Coach Norman Mapeza told a news conference that Takwara will not be guaranteed a starting place but will have to earn his place in the team. “He is back but he needs to work hard like anybody else. The guys who were playing in that position were doing well in his absence.”
Three points off log leaders Chicken Inn, the miners travel to the Colliery for a date tomorrow against a Hwange side that has shown life, at home, since the arrival of coach Bigboy Mawiwi.
Online Reporter