Story by Courage Bushe
FORMER Premier Soccer League champions FC Platinum have launched a renewed bid for domestic glory after unveiling ten new players and a revamped technical team ahead of the upcoming season in Zvishavane.
The Zvishavane-based side, which finished fourth last season, have signalled clear title intentions with sweeping changes to both their playing squad and backroom staff. The rebuild is anchored by the appointment of head coach Joel Luphahla, who guided Simba Bhora to a third-place finish last season.
Speaking at the club’s first pre-season training session, Luphahla said the new additions have injected depth, hunger and renewed belief into the squad.
“So far, we have added ten new players to the team, and we believe they bring the zeal and hunger to surpass what we achieved last season. It will be a long campaign, but the foundation is already there, and we are building with one clear objective to compete for the championship,” Luphahla said.
The newly recruited players, unveiled during the session, echoed the coach’s confidence and pledged to make an immediate impact.
“I am happy to be part of this FC Platinum family. The welcome has been amazing, and with the talent in this squad, we want to conquer as a team. We promise our fans a season full of joy and excitement,” said one of the players.
Another recruit added: “We may be new here, but not new to football. We are ready to make a positive impact and help this team achieve its goals.”
FC Platinum parted ways with eight players last month before bringing in an experienced mix of local and regional talent. The new signings include Cameroonian goalkeeper Ekoi Manfred, winger McKinnon Mushore from Highlanders, Garikai Dematsika from Green Fuel, Tadiwa Muchenje from Chicken Inn and Namibian forward Mbakondja.
Also joining the former champions are Malawian defender Maxwell Paipi, Ghanaian striker Emmanuel Dogbey, defender Takunda Vareta from Yadah, midfielder David Mangezi from Sheasham, winger Trevor Bhunu from Golden Eagles and Takunda Manyuchi.
Off the pitch, the technical department has been reinforced with the appointment of goalkeeping coach Warren Mapanga, fitness trainer Dillon Chivandire and performance analyst Ashley Ndebele.
With renewed confidence in camp and ambitions clearly stated, FC Platinum head into the new season determined to translate their recruitment drive into a serious Premier Soccer League title challenge.
