dyton mupawaenda
Innocent Kurira-Sports Reporter
FORMER champions FC Platinum are set for a two-week pre-season training camp in Bulawayo starting next week.
It has become a norm for the Zvishavane based outfit to set base in Bulawayo, which they have done the last couple of years.
The club’s media liaison officer Chido Chizondo confirmed the team will be in Bulawayo next Monday.
“We will be having a two-week training programme in Bulawayo starting from January 22. We have always found the city as a perfect place for our preparations for the season,” said Chizondo.
Last week, FC Platinum announced six new arrivals ahead of the 2024 season with the Highlanders duo of Mbongeni Ndlovu and Brighton Mhanhire among the list of new signings. The list also includes central midfielder Shephered Mhlanga from Chicken Inn, attacking midfielder Davison Marowa from Herentals, Bothwell Tinashe Nzori from Black Mambas and goalkeeper David Simbarashe Bizabani from Green Fuel.
The Platinum miners also promoted Anesu Chirinda and Tapiwa Manuel Reves from their development side.
Players that have left the Zvishavane based outfit ahead of the start of the new season are Innocent Muchaneka, Perfect Chikwende, Walter Musona, goalkeeper Petros Mhari and Gift Mbweti.
Musona and Chikwende have since joined ambitious Shamva-based Premiership side Simba Bhora.
FC Platinum were champions in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021-2022 and have played CAF Champions League football in the years Zimbabwe were not under a Fifa ban.
Last season they finished fourth, 11 points behind the champions, Ngezi Platinum Stars and the club hierarchy has already declared the desire to get back to dominating the local league. During their 12 years of Premiership football, they have also amassed several silverware, including the Chibuku Super Cup, the Castle Challenge Cup, the Independence Cup and the ZNA Charity Shield.
Meanwhile, FC Platinum’s new acquisition Mbongeni Ndlovu has penned an emotional farewell letter to his former paymasters, Highlanders. Ndlovu was a key member of the Highlanders defence, which was impressive for the better part of the 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
He was among the new players unveiled at FC Platinum last week.
Writing on his social media handles, Ndlovu expressed his gratitude to the Bosso family.
“After 11 incredible years, it is with mixed emotions that I write this farewell message to my beloved club.
“The journey has been filled with unforgettable memories, invaluable experiences and lifelong friendships.
“I am eternally grateful for the opportunities and support provided by Highlanders. From the young age of 15, I joined Highlanders and was welcomed into the family,” he said.
“The guidance and the mentorship of coach Gift Lunga Junior and coach Melusi Mabaleka Sibanda and other exceptional coaches have shaped my career and helped me grow as a player.
“Representing the first team since 2018 has been an honour and I will express my gratitude to Coach Madinda Ndlovu, Pieter De Jongh, Mark Harrison, Mandla Mpofu and Britto (Baltemor) for their belief in my abilities.
“We have celebrated numerous victories together, including winning the 2019 Chibuku Super Cup and Independence cup three times.
“As I bid farewell, I want to thank all my incredible teammates and officials who have made this journey remarkable.
“To the Highlanders FC family including the loyal fans who have supported us through thick and thin, I extend my heartfelt appreciation.
“Your unwavering support and love for the club have made it a true institution of football excellence. Thank you Highlanders FC,” he said.
Online Reporter