FC Platinum take aim at Young Africans

Paul Mundandi Sports Correspondent
FC PLATINUM are focused towards their game against Young Africans of Tanzania on Sunday. “We’re very focused on the match over the weekend and we hope that our boys will continue with the spirit after dispatching Sofapaka of Kenya.

“The true African Safari has started for FC Platinum now and we urge everyone in the platinum family to continue with their support,” said Chido Chizondo, the club spokesperson.

FC Platinum will play away first against the Tanzanians at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam in the first round of the Caf Confederation Cup.

The team, popularly known as Yanga, commands a large fan base and normally attracts about 80,000 fans at their stadium.

They have won the league cup 24 times since 1968 and have made nine appearances in the Champions League and three in the Caf Confederation Cup.

Coached by Hans Van De Pluijm they have five foreigners in their squad including Brazilian Andrey Coutinho.

Zimbabwe’s representatives, FC Platinum are expected to leave for Tanzania on Friday for the match which is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Brian Muzondiwa, Donald Ngoma and Wisdom Mutasa have been on song for the miners and if they continue with their form, Young Africans could fall by the wayside.

Walter Musona and Wellington Kamudyariwa have been worthy players in midfield which normally gets support from the evergreen Thabani Kamusoko and Simon Shoko.

Allan Gahadzikwa seems to have regained his form that once helped the now defunct Motor Action to be a force to reckon with in the Premiership. He will however battle for a place with young Tatenda Dzumbunu.

In defence veteran Gift Bello will be in command, assisted by roving Raphael Muduviwa at rightback with Kelvin Moyo on the left and his twin brother Elvis in central defence.

Zambian Under-20 international, Obrey Chirwa is still to get to his form. Aaron Katebe and Daniel Vheremu have been training hard so may be considered for the tie by coach Norman Mapeza.

The Tanzanians who proceeded to the first round on a 3-2 aggregate after beating Botswana Defence Forces X1 are seasoned campaigners.

Their previous victims in Africa include Highlanders who they had drawn 2-2 with in Tanzania only for Bosso to collapse at home 2-0 before the match was abandoned after violence that erupted when the visitors were awarded a penalty.