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Langton Nyakwenda
WHEN Rainsome Pavari joined FC Platinum five years ago, he was an unheralded central midfielder, who somehow managed to charm Norman Mapeza.
Pavari was 25 and was one of the players who left Bulawayo City in search of greener pastures. Pavari went on to win his first championship medal with FC Platinum at the end of the 2019 season.
He is now seeking a second podium finish with the Zvishavane side.
Pavari is now 30 and has now been converted into a centre back by Mapeza, a coach renowned for transforming the careers of many local footballers.
He is also the new captain at FC Platinum who lead the log standings going into the business end of the season.
Pure Platinum Play have 45 points, one more than Simba Bhora who host Bulawayo Chiefs at Wadzanai this afternoon. FC Platinum play Bikita Minerals at Sakubva tomorrow.
“I am enjoying my new role as a centre back,” says Pavari.
“As a player you always want to win medals, so obviously the target is to go all the way and win the title.”
FC Platinum are also in contention for an unprecedented third Chibuku Super Cup title, after beating TelOne 1-0 at Mandava in the first round last weekend.
“We are not talking about that at the moment, we are keeping our feet on the ground,” says Pavari.
He has adjusted smoothly to his new role and coach Mapeza is naturally impressed.
“The boy is doing well, but in football you keep learning.
“He has to improve his communication at the back. He is the captain so he has to be vocal,” Mapeza said.
FC Platinum are chasing a fifth league title and fourth under Mapeza.
Pure Platinum Play are famed for their strong defence and in Pavari they have an intelligent player who can also start play from the back.
Last weekend Pavari partnered Mbongeni Ndlovu, with Bothwell Nzori operating on the right side.
“We take it one game at a time, we can’t talk about the title now,” added Mapeza.
FC Platinum have been inconsistent in the last five rounds of Premiership, with just two wins.
But under Mapeza, they have developed a knack of finishing the season strong.
Fixtures
Today: Arenel Movers v ZPC Kariba (Luveve), Herentals v Greenfuel (Rufaro), Simba Bhora v Bulawayo Chiefs (Wadzanai).
Tomorrow: Bikita Minerals v FC Platinum (Sakubva), Chicken Inn v Highlanders (Barbourfields), CAPS United v Manica Diamonds (Rufaro), Chegutu Pirates v Yadah (Baobab).
Postponed: TelOne v Dynamos; Ngezi Platinum v Hwange
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter