Zimpapers Logo

Winston Mhango

Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane
FC Platinum defensive midfielder Winston Mhango has committed his future to the side and is set to pen a new two-year deal on Monday.

Mhango was on the radar of a number of PSL teams and had left his manager George Deda to handle his future while he went on holiday with his wife and children.

“I am back and will be in Zvishavane on Monday to sign my two-year contract. I want to win trophies for my coach and the platinum institution. I would like to thank my manager Deda for handling the negotiations properly,” said Mhango.

Deda was also satisfied with Mhango’s new deal.

“We have agreed on a two-year deal with FC Platinum and I am happy because I wanted him to commit himself to a longer contract. I do not want him to play for any other team except FC Platinum,” said Deda.

“If he happens to go to the South African PSL, it has to be to a bigger club otherwise he will rather go to Sudan or Tanzania.

“I opted for a longer contract because I want him to enrol at Midlands State University for a degree programme.

“The rand is losing value on a daily basis and  football salaries in South Africa stand at R40 000 per month with no winning bonuses and the player also has to part with R10 000 and remain with R30 000.

“That is why most players live like paupers when they return to Zimbabwe. Most of FC Platinum players (70 percent) are proud owners of houses. FC Platinum pays more than teams such as Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United in the Absa Premiership.

“I only know of six teams that pay better packages in South Africa.”

Deda said he had spoken to FC Platinum and they are keen to see him developing his career at the Zvishavane-based side.

“He is a very responsible boy who looks after his wife and children and I hope he will play a pivotal role at FC Platinum and help bring silverware to the most organised club in Zimbabwe,” Deda said.

Mhango played for Hwange for the 2012 season before following his coach Tenant Chilumba, who was in charge of FC Platinum in 2013.

He escaped death by a whisker in October when the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a head-on collision and claimed the life of one FC Platinum fan.

Mhango suffered a cut on the left leg, while his teammate Charles Sibanda lost two teeth, but they recovered within a week.

He scored five goals, four in the league and one in the Chibuku Super Cup against Chapungu, during the 2016 season.