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BRIAN MUZONDIWA

Paul Mundandi Zvishavane Correspondent
FC PLATINUM striker Brian Muzondiwa is confident that his side will beat Kenya’s Sofapaka in a Caf Confederation Cup second leg tie of the preliminary round at Mandava Stadium tomorrow.

“Everybody in the team is focused and has a winning mentality. Our coach (Norman Mapeza) has already warned us to guard against complacency.

“I’m delighted to be part of FC Platinum and I’m gelling well with the rest of the team. We’ve played against Sofapaka and I respect them very much but I don’t fear the defenders in their team.

“All I’m looking forward to is for me and those who will be chosen to play to do their best for the nation, the institution and the soccer loving fans of Zvishavane who rally behind the team every time” said the soft-spoken player.

Muzondiwa scored the opening goal in the 25th minute of the first half after latching on to a long clearance by Wisdom Mutasa before beating defender Wiluis Ouma and placing the ball past goalkeeper David Okello.

The former Black Rhinos player was a thorn in the flesh in his debut match for the platinum miners. He was full of running the whole afternoon and a repeat performance at Mandava tomorrow could see FC Platinum proceeding to the next round.

The FC Platinum strikeforce featured seasoned campaigner Donald Ngoma who also scored the winner and has become an impact player in the squad.

Walter Musona, Tatenda Dzumbunu, Thabani Kamusoko and Wellington Kamudyariwa could be part of the midfield.

In defence, former Dynamos player Gift Bello will put his African Champions League experience to good use and his partnership with the Moyo twins Kelvin and Elvis and roving rightback Raphael Muduviwa is expected to shut out Fiston Abdoul, Enock Agwanda and right winger Johnson Bagole.

Goalkeeper Petros Mhari, who stood shoulders above the rest with his fine saves in Kenya, will once again be expected to keep the Sofapaka strikers at bay.

Muzondiwa spoke highly of his coach Mapeza.

“Mapeza is a very good coach and I think we’re going places. With him I expect to reach my full potential. FC Platinum seem to be the club every player wishes to play for and I’m enjoying the experience and exposure I’m getting at the miners,” he said.

Timothy Obukulo, a Kenyan journalist based in Nairobi, yesterday said the club had changed its travel plans and would instead leave that country this morning for Harare.

They were set to arrive yesterday at 3PM and fly to Bulawayo later before driving to Zvishavane.

Zifa spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela confirmed late yesterday that the Kenyans had failed to secure enough seats from Harare to Bulawayo on the evening flight.