Chronicle Editor
Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
FC PLATINUM midfielder Rahman Kutsanzira believes lessons learnt in their second campaign in the group stage of the Caf Champions League can propel them in their next dance in the African safari in August.
The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions had a woeful campaign in the mini-league phase of the continental battle finishing bottom of Group B with a single point from six games.
The platinum miners were in the same group with Egyptian side, Al Ahly, who are eight-time winners of the coveted continental title, Tunisian club, Etoile du Sahel and Al Hilal of Sudan, all teams with considerable experience in African football.
“I think it has been a good learning curve for us remember this is the second time that we are competing at this level so I don’t think we could just come in and start winning games.
“Sometimes you have to be patient but the most important thing is that we should take lessons from our campaigns. We are still inexperienced at that level and I believe in the next edition we will be much better off.
“Football at that level is much different from local football and there is little room for error, at that stage you should make most of the few chances that come your way and most importantly it is goals that matter.
“I believe we played well but we were unfortunate not to progress beyond the group stages,” said Kutsanzira.
The former Highlanders winger is looking forward to his side clinching another Premiership title on the domestic front while progressing beyond the group stages in the Caf Champions League.
He said despite having played football continuously for the past two seasons there won’t be time to put the foot off pedal.
“Yes, it has been a long two seasons as we have played continuously but I think we should be able to manage the fatigue and with the strengthening of the squad, the coaches will be able to rotate players giving some rest when they need it.”
“Those are the demands of the game, we have to be up for the challenge and battle against other Premiership teams,” said Rakocha, as Kutsanzira is affectionately known.
Fc Platinum had to wait for the last game of the season last year to lift the championship, beating contenders Caps United 1-0 at the National Sports Stadium.
Kutsanzira said the coming in of new players does not unnerve him as he believes it is still the same football and he will only have to work harder both on and off the pitch to ensure he retains his place in the squad.
In their home match against Al Ahly, a gaffe saw Rakocha, who was on the bench, being called on to get in the field but after handing the substitution details to the fourth official he was called back to the bench and most fans thought it could have been the influence of new coach, De Jongh who was yet to take full charge of the team but already had influence in the team.
Speaking on the incident, the former Caps United player said it could have been a tactical change that was later made but did not make much of the incident as he managed to bounce back and featured in the squads that played the last two matches in the ill-fated campaign.
“In football working hard is the key and I intend to ensure I am at the top of my game and I’m aiming at making it into the soccer stars calendar this year.”
“I have not given up on my dreams of playing outside the country and will keep pushing as it is every player’s dream to make the move abroad,” he said.
After arriving in the country back on Monday, the Fc Platinum players were given a break and are set to resume preparations for the championship defence on Monday.
Online Reporter