‘MAPEZA IS THE REAL DEAL’

Bruce Chikuni

FC PLATINUM midfielder, Innocent Mucheneka, has hailed coach, Norman Mapeza, for thrusting him into the spotlight.

Mucheneka made his Premiership debut in 2015 at Hwange before having stints with Chicken Inn and CAPS United.

He won the Gamecocks’ 2019 Player of the Season award but he remained virtually unknown until he joined the champions.

Maybe, the soft landing at Mandava was because both Mucheneka and Mapeza hail from Chitungwiza.

Mucheneka developed into one of Mapeza’s best players in his first season as he played an important role in winning the Chibuku Super Cup and a record equalling fourth championship on the bounce.

His free-kick against Dynamos in the Chibuku Super Cup last season was probably the best moment of his career.

The midfielder made a total of 19 appearances in the PSL, scoring four goals and providing two assists.

He had not won any silverware before joining the platinum miners.

“I think it’s every player’s dream to be a winner, after all, that’s the main reason we play football,” said Mucheneka.

“And, winning the league and Chibuku Super Cup last season was the best feeling in my career.

“I would like to thank coach Mapeza for the great work he has been doing in making me the player that I am today.

“I also want to thank the technical staff at the team.”

He added:

“As a player, you set standards for yourself locally and internationally.

“The goal is to always try to make it and FC Platinum were always one of the teams that I had in my mind.

“When the call came to join the club, it was a dream come true and FC Platinum have helped me make a name in the local league.”