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Chido Chizondo

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S Total Caf Champions League representatives FC Platinum have assured their Zvishavane supporters that they will not desert them during the continental jamboree like in 2012 when they took their act to Harare.

In 2012 when FC Platinum made their debut in the continental tournament, they played their second-leg first round encounter against Sudan’s El Merreikh at Rufaro Stadium after Caf officials allegedly condemned accommodation facilities in Zvishavane.

According to rules and regulations of the tournament, the host association is entitled to play its home match in the capital of the country or in any other city. In this case, the transport of the visiting team from the capital to the city designated for the match is borne by the host association.

If the distance between the capital city and the venue of the match is more than 200kms, the host association shall provide the visitors with air transport to the venue of the match and back. If this is not possible, the match shall be played in the capital city except by agreement between the two teams.

Following the 2017 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League kings’ decision to set up their preparatory base in Bulawayo on Monday, there have been genuine fears by their passionate fans in Zvishavane that they will not have an opportunity to cheer their heroes in the African safari once again.

However, the club has allayed those fears, with Chido Chizondo, the media liaison and communications officer, saying Mandava Stadium will be their match day venue.

“We are going to use Mandava Stadium. The club is only in Bulawayo to prepare for the journey, which is also good for bonding purposes,” said Chizondo.

FC Platinum face Angolan side Clube Desportivo Primeiro de Agosto in the preliminary round, with the first-leg away during the weekend of February 9-11 and the second-leg scheduled for the weekend of February 16-18.

FC Platinum Caf Champions League provisional squad

Goal Keepers: Petros Mhari, Wallace Magalane, Francis Tizayi.

Defenders: Raphael Muduviwa, Jameson Mukombwe, Elvis Moyo, Kelvin Moyo, William Sitima, Gift Bello, Lawrence Mhlanga.

Midfielders: Winston Mhango, Nqobizitha Masuku, Never Tigere, Kelvin Madzongwe, Marshall Mudehwe, Hillary Bakacheza, Rahman Kutsanzira, Rodwell Chinyengetere, Bret Amidu, Ali Sadiki.

Strikers: Mkhokheli Dube, Gift Mbweti, Albert Eonde, Shadreck Mayembe, Nigel Papias, Charles Sibanda.

@skhumoyo2000