Chronicle Editor
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’s Total Caf Champions League representatives FC Platinum will next week unveil a number of friendly matches with local and foreign clubs as part of preparations for their preliminary round clash against Angola’s Desportivo de Agosto.
The preliminary round first-leg clash is set for the weekend of February 9-11 in Angola, with the second-leg set for Mandava Stadium a week later.
The Zvishavane-based side has set its sights on reaching the lucrative group stages of the tournament and thorough preparations are needed ahead of the gruelling journey. The club has been busy with preparations and club chairman Evans Mthombeni told Chronicle Sport that they will be revealing the identity of their friendly opponents next week.
“We will definitely have friendly matches and will give an informed update in January. Funds permitting, we would want to have local and foreign sides for our preparatory friendly matches,” said Mthombeni.
Pure Platinum Play have been busy on the transfer market, with reports that they have already signed Cameroonian teenager Albert Eonde on a two-year contract, while Zambian forward Shadreck Mayembe is also trying his luck at the platinum miners.
On the local front, FC Platinum are believed to be keen on the Ngezi Platinum duo of Liberty Chakoroma and Quadr Amini as well as Highlanders’ Rahman Kutsanzira, who will take the place of Talent Chawapiwa, who left the Midlands side for Absa Premiership outfit Baroka FC. With gritty midfielder Gerald Takwara also leaving the Zvishavane camp, coach Norman Mapeza might also need an able replacement.
Mapeza needs a strong side, especially in attack, as they venture into the tricky journey of the Total Caf Champions League.
A victory over the Angolan side will see FC Platinum taking on either Bidvest Wits of South Africa or Mauritanian outfit Pamplemousses in the second and final round of the group stage qualifiers. — @skhumoyo2000
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter