Former PSL champions look to refresh squad
Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
FORMER Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions FC Platinum are moving to swiftly plug gaps left by seven departing players, after agreeing new deals.
The four-time champions announced the departure of seven senior and fringe players on their social media page.
Captain Gift Bello has retired from playing football after leading the team during its golden era where they won four Premier League titles.
The 39-year-old has been at the heart of the defence for the Platinum Miners since joining them in 2014 after having previously won three league titles with Dynamos.
His assistant goalkeeper Petros Mhari who won 12 trophies in Zvishavane is also leaving the club on mutual agreement after 10 years of service after deciding to pursue new challenges.
Another senior player Gift Mbweti is leaving the former champions after the club decided against renewing his contract together with winger Perfect Chikwende who has had an on-and-off relationship with the club.
Talisman Walter Musona who has had well-documented disciplinary issues with the club, could not find common ground for contract renewal, leaving him to join Simba Bhora together with Chikwende.
The club’s longest-serving player Raphael Mudiviwa is also leaving the club after the expiry of his contract together with midfielder Innocent Muchaneka who never really stamped his authority at Mandava.
Mudiviwa had been at FC Platinum for 13 years but has struggled with injuries in recent times, limiting his game time.
The Zvishavane-based side has moved in swiftly to plug the gaps with former Highlanders defender Mbongeni Ndlovu now with the club although authorities refused to comment.
Mbola, as Ndlovu is affectionately known on the pitch, confirmed his new destination last year during a farewell speech to his former teammates.
Mbongeni Ndlovu looks to be a direct replacement for Gift Bello while Walter Musona is likely to be replaced by former Herentals winger Davison Marowa as Norman Mapeza seeks to refresh his squad.
Marowa was one of the more enterprising players from last season and was being courted by several clubs, but FC Platinum seemed to have won the race.
Former Highlanders defensive midfielder Brighton Manhire is believed to be with the Platinum miners, so is impressive former Chicken Inn midfielder Sherperd Mhlanga.
Former Bulawayo Chiefs and Green Fuel goalkeeper David Bizabane is also training with the club, including former Herentals goalminder Takudzwa Chikosi.
FC Platinum finished last season in fourth place, eight points behind champions Ngezi Platinum Stars.
