malvernmugadzikwa
Online Reporter
THE three Brazilian players who arrived at Yadah Stars on Friday last week could add spark to an already exciting season, as they could make their Premier Soccer League (PSL) debut on Saturday when the Miracle Boys host wobbly Chicken Inn at Baobab Stadium.
The trio of Joao Pedro (20), Pereira de Brito David (21) and Luciano Farias Juan (20) will make history by becoming the first Brazilians to feature in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
They were unveiled at a colourful ceremony held at Yadah Complex last week.
Their transfer papers are reportedly being finalised.
“The process is almost through and we expect the players to be in action come Saturday,” a source within Yadah said.
Yadah are bubbling with confidence after stunning defending champions FC Platinum 1-0 at Mandava Stadium on Saturday.
That victory pushed Yadah to 17 points, three clear of the relegation zone.
It was Pure Platinum Play’s first defeat at home this season and only their ninth at their home ground since 2014, when Norman Mapeza was first appointed as head coach.
The arrival of the three Brazilians, who are linked to Real Betis Academy Zimbabwe chairperson Gerald Sibanda, has ignited interest in the match between Yadah and troubled Chicken Inn.
The Gamecocks go into Saturday’s match after a 0-2 loss to Dynamos that saw them slide down to seventh on the log standings.
It is not the first time a local side has expressed interest in players from Brazil.
In 2016, former Dynamos coach Paulo Jorge Silva brought in some Brazilian players, who, however, failed to make the grade.
DeMbare were also linked with Real Betis Academy Zimbabwe player Bernardo Ribeiro in 2021, but the deal fell through.
MATCH DAY 16 FIXTURES
Saturday
Green Fuel v Dynamos (Gibbo), Yadah FC v Chicken Inn (Baobab), Cranborne Bullets v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Nyamhunga), Bulawayo Chiefs v Herentals (Luveve), CAPS United v Triangle United (Bata)
Sunday
Highlanders v Manica Diamonds (Barbourfields), Sheasham v Black Rhinos (Bata), Simba Bhora v ZPC Kariba (Baobab), Hwange v FC Platinum
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter