Zimpapers Logo

Norman Mapeza

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S Orange Caf Confederations Cup representatives FC Platinum wrap up their preparations for the continental showpiece with a friendly match against Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow.FC Platinum travel to Kenya for their first leg of the opening round clash with Sofapaka FC next Friday.

This will be FC Platinum’s third pre-season friendly match having played Chapungu and Bantu Rovers, drawing 1-1 and winning 2-0 respectively.

The platinum miners, who won the ticket for continental club competition after lifting the Chibuku Super Cup, come to Bulawayo with a clean bill of health and will be facing Highlanders who will trim their squad to 30 after the weekend game.

Patrick Mandizha, FC Platinum’s assistant coach who has been at the helm in the absence of head coach Norman Mapeza who is attending the ongoing Caf-A Licence clinic in Harare, is happy with their preparations.

“Basically, we’re using the game against Bosso to assess our level of preparedness with emphasis on endurance before going for the Orange Caf Confederations Cup. We believe Highlanders are going to give use a good run and assist us to make the necessary adjustments,” said Mandizha.

He said it was difficult to say whether or not they will have another training game before leaving for Kenya.

“At present we’re happy that our new guys have settled and things are looking good. We’ve a clean bill of health,” said Mandizha.
FC Platinum retained most of their players and will be pinning their hopes on veterans Daniel Veremu who spent the better part of last season sidelined through injury, goalkeeper Petros Mhari, Thabani Kamusoko, Zambian national Aaron Katebe and Obrey Chirwa.

They also boast of ambitious youngsters in the form of Young Warriors’ Wisdom Mutasa, Walter Musona, Elvis Moyo, Tafadzwa Dzumbunu, Kevin Moyo and new signing Emmanuel Mandiranga.

Highlanders, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Chapungu last Sunday, will use the game to finalise their squad.

Most Premiership teams already have their 30 players in place.

Bosso coach Bongani Mafu said he will wield the final axe at the weekend.

“This game against FC Platinum presents a great challenge for me as well as the players because it will give us a clear picture as to what to expect in the coming season. I understand FC Platinum are one of the top teams and playing against the best gives you the right measurement for your level of preparedness which I’m looking forward to. Besides, we’re finalising our squad and this is the last weekend to do so,” Mafu said.

Some of Highlanders’ targets who played against Chapungu who are expected to feature tomorrow include Tendai Ngulube, Edmore Muzanenhamo, Lindelani “Vice” Ncube, Julius Daudi, Ashton Mhlanga and Thomas Chideu.