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FC Platinum players lift the PSL Cup on Saturday

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
NEWLY crowned Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions FC Platinum will take their celebration to State House where they will present the trophy to their patron President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

In an eventful week for the Midlands province that began with the inauguration of President Mnangagwa, who hails from the province, on Friday, the platinum miners capped it by lifting the league title on Sunday following a 2-0 win over Chapungu at Ascot Stadium.

This made FC Platinum the second team from outside Harare and Bulawayo after St Paul’s Musami in 1966 to land the national league title.

“We want to take the trophy to the State House and present it to our patron His Excellency President Mnangagwa,” said an excited FC Platinum spokesperson Chido Chizondo just before the end of their match at Ascot Stadium on Saturday when it became obvious that the airmen would never claw their way back into the game.

Pure Platinum Play sealed the match inside the first eight minutes with goals from Rodwell Chinyengetere and Ali Sadiki that saw them end the season with 72 points, two more than runners-up Dynamos, who beat Chicken Inn 1-0 on the same day.

The win gave the platinum miners the right to represent Zimbabwe in the Caf Champions League next year and club president George Mawere said they intend to conquer the continent, as the formation of the club went beyond simply joining the PSL.

“At the formation of our club, we were clear that our intention went beyond simply joining the PSL. Ours was a mission to emerge as a force to reckon with, not only in Zimbabwe, but in Africa,” said Mawere in a statement released after their win.

“The journey has not been an easy one. Over the years, we have had a fair share of heartaches and some moments to celebrate. We have learnt the virtues of patience and humility. Most importantly, we have refined our footballing philosophy to go beyond just winning matches, but exhibiting an entertaining style that is matched by a caring heart and the highest professional standards. We are Pure Platinum Play.”

Mawere said as they celebrate their success, they remain mindful of the bigger challenge that lies ahead which is to be a leading football brand in Africa and even beyond. To achieve this, Mawere said, the club needed the guidance and support of the nation.

“This vision is no mean aspiration. It demands from us resources; both material and talent. It calls upon us to search for guidance and support of the nation at large. We hope our more experienced brothers, who have ventured into this challenging African football safari, will be willing to lend a helping hand. Today we celebrate not only as a football club in Zvishavane, but as the entire Midlands family,” said Mawere.

FC Platinum will be hoping to do better than their 2012 showing in the continental competition in which they were eliminated in the second round. — @skhumoyo2000