Muduviwa: FC Platinum’s unsung hero

Sport
Since Norman Mapeza joined the Zvishavane-based current Premier Soccer league champions FC Platinum in August 2014, the team has boasted of having either the best or second best defensive record every season.

Since Norman Mapeza joined the Zvishavane-based current Premier Soccer league champions FC Platinum in August 2014, the team has boasted of having either the best or second best defensive record every season.

BY TERRY MADYAUTA

Raphael Muduviwa

The platinum miners last week successfully retained the league crown with two matches to spare following a narrow 1-0 victory over relegated local rivals Shabanie Mine.

This year too, FC Platinum’s defence has been the best in the land, shipping in just 15 goals in 32 matches so far.

The champions’ academy product Raphael Muduviwa has starred in a backline that includes Gift Bello and the Moyo twins, Kevin and Elvis.

The unheralded 25-year-old has been conspicuous in the club’s two league title-winning seasons and has diligently fulfilled his responsibility in a defensive full-back role.

“It has not been easy, but through hard work and with the help of the coaches and senior players, I have found my place in the senior team and now am enjoying the fruits,” Muduviwa told The Sports Hub.

“I feel so honoured to be part of this championship-winning team. I have been waiting for these moments for a long time, but the long wait is now bearing fruit,” he added.

Muduviwa was plucked from FC Platinum’s developmental side that competes in the Central Region Division One into the senior ranks in 2012 as a 19-old-year greenhorn.

He has flourished under Mapeza.

Last year, Pure Platinum Play, as they are nicknamed, conceded just 15 goals the entire season equalling the record they set the previous year in 2016.

In 2015, FC Platinum, finished third in the league conceding 23 goals while they leaked 19 times during Mapeza’s first half-season in charge.

Interestingly, the pint-sized full-back’s role has always been a focal point in Mapeza’s possession-based system as it provides a shield in defence and on wings, enabling them to switch into attack in a flash.

It also provides the triangular, tiki taka passing moves, which Mapeza’s style thrives on. However, very few would have predicted that he would entrust Muduviwa with this crucial role, considering the quality at his disposal and the intense competition at the cash-stashed club.

Muduviwa’s rise is welcome respite for Platinum’s developmental side that had received widespread criticism for failing to produce players that fit into the senior team. The likes of Cleopas Kapupurika and Blessing Sahondo did not make the grade.

Muduviwa speaks of his experience as a critical member of the Platinum side.

“I must say, playing for a winning team is prestigious, but it comes with a lot of pressure and so one should be able to adjust to that situation. But the most important thing is to listen to your seniors and teammates. At 25, I am celebrating another medal in my cabinet. All I have to do is pray for the best in the future with the team,” he said.

The former Pamushana High School student has shown a lot of promise since his debut in 2012.

Many will remember him for the red card he was given in 2012 on his Premier Soccer league debut when FC Platinum played Dynamos at Rufaro stadium.

Six years down the line, Muduviwa has matured and cemented his place as the first-choice full-back in Mapeza’s team.

The platinum miners are set for another CAF Champions league appearance later this month and Muduviwa is optimistic of a good outing.

The Norton-born defender has travelled with the platinum miners on their previous two appearances at continental level.

“I am confident we’re going to do better than we did last time because right now everyone has an idea of what to do when playing in these highly-rated CAF games.

“Our target now is to reach the group stages and see if we can go on to achieve more afterwards. I am hoping my contribution will continue to be vital in this team,” he said.