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Petros Mhari

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
AMBITIOUS Premier Soccer League outfit FC Platinum will hold their pre-season training camp in South Africa in preparation for the 2017 season.

The Zvishavane-based side reportedly sent a team to scout facilities in Johannesburg where they want to setup base until early February.

The platinum miners are also expected to play at least three training matches against South African Premiership and First Division clubs.

FC Platinum spokesperson Chido Chizondo confirmed that the team’s pre-season camp will be in South Africa and they are working on an itinerary.

“It’s true that the team will camp in South Africa because Mandava Stadium is currently undergoing renovations. We haven’t finalised the roadmap because the coach is only meeting the players today (yesterday) after which we will be able to know which players are in the coach’s plans for the 2017 season. There are also plans to loan out some of the players, some of who might go to South Africa for the pre-season camp, should the coach feel there is need to do so,” said Chizondo.

She also confirmed the capture of Brett Amidu from Dynamos, Talent Chawapihwa from Harare City and Castle Lager Premier League Soccer Star of the Year finalist Gift Mbweti from Hwange.

“We will announce the full squad, including those we’ve brought on board, once the coach is done presenting his 2017 season squad. There are changes that have taken place at the club and all that information will be made available,” Chizondo said.

FC Platinum will start the season with the core of their 2016 squad that finished second behind champions Caps United.

They’ve retained the 2016 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Year and Soccer Star finalist Petros Mhari as well as midfield maestro Winston Mhango.

They also permanently secured the services of midfielder Nqobizitha Masuku, who was on loan from Bantu Rovers.

@ZililoR