FC Platinum hit by injuries

Sport
FC PLATINUM enter into their opening Chibuku Super Cup tie against WhaWha this afternoon with a depleted squad after five of their players were ruled out due to injuries.

BY TERRY MADYAUTA

FC PLATINUM enter into their opening Chibuku Super Cup tie against WhaWha this afternoon with a depleted squad after five of their players were ruled out due to injuries.

They will miss the services of Blessing Moyo, Donald Ngoma, Donald Teguru, William Stima and Raphael Muduviwa.

Nevertheless, the platinum miners are the favourites to win this match against the top-flight returnees.

The two sides’ clash is scheduled for 1pm at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane.

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza is happy with the preparations so far and is targeting silverware.

“We have done quite well in terms of preparations. It’s a massive tournament for us in terms of incentives. I can’t complain much about how much we have prepared for these games. So far so good and we are just waiting for the tournament to start,” he said.

“Donald Teguru, Blessing Moyo, William Stima, Donald Ngoma and Raphael Muduviwa are out as they have all suffered injuries.

“Having spent time off the field, it will also be difficult for the boys both psychologically and physically, so we have been working on those things so that they gear up for the tournament.”

This will be Mapeza’s first local fixture since replacing Heindrikus Pieter de Jongh, who left the club last year.

Meanwhile, former Dynamos striker King Nasama seeks a fresh start at Castle Lager Premier Soccer League returnees WhaWha, having struggled with a spate of injuries.

Nasama will be hoping to lead his new side to a fast start in the Chibuku Super Cup, where they first collide with FC Platinum in group four of the tournament, which erupts tomorrow to mark the return of topflight football after more than a year’s absence.

He joins WhaWha following a stint at Chicken Inn, with high hopes of leading the prison wardens to a successful second stint in the big time.

“For me, this is a rebirth. It’s a season where I hope to bring back my old self. I am hopeful for a good season for myself and the whole team,” Nasama said.

“We are in a tough group and we can easily be named the minnows in this one, but we are hopeful to do good. After my time at Dynamos, I was mainly affected by injuries, but this time, I hope to remain fit until the rest of the season.

“I have worked hard and I have been praying hard for the Almighty to help me through this journey at WhaWha.”

The last time WhaWha played in the topflight, they lasted just one season before they were relegated under Lloyd Mutasa.

This time, coach Luke Petros is confident of a successful season and is targeting silverware in the Chibuku Super Cup.

“I feel this is the year I should prove that I can be as good in coaching as I was as a player. The target is to make sure that we stand toe-to-toe with the so-called big boys in this one. This weekend, we are playing a tough team, but to be honest, we are confident we can win,” he said.

 Follow Terry on Twitter @madyautatpm