FC Platinum will face Zambian champions Zanaco this Saturday as the Zimbabwean club continues its preparations for the 2013 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season. REPORT BY SPORTS EDITOR
Platinum have been in camp in Kariba for the last week and will wind up their preparations by playing the crack Zambian side before returning to base in Zvishavane.
Chido Chizondo the club’s media liaison officer confirmed the friendly yesterday, which could be handled by caretaker coach Tendai Chikuni as newly appointed head coach Tennant Chilumba is yet to get his work permit.
“Camp is going well and the team is under Chikuni and his assistant Andersen Phiri as Chilumba is still awaiting his work permit. This weekend, the team will travel to Lusaka to play Zanaco Football Club,” she said.
Zanaco will host Swallows in the first leg of the Caf Champions League on February 16 with the return leg after two weeks.
Former Dynamos coach Keegan Mumba is the boss and claimed the 2012 league title. Zanaco has topped the league in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 and then again in 2009 when the club went on to represent Zambia in the Confederation Cup.
Zanaco finished top on the table with 61 points. Power Dynamos and Zesco United finished second and third with 59 and 54 points respectively.
After the 30 games played during the season, Zanaco won 17, drew 10 and only lost 3 games, scoring 33 and conceding 14 goals.On the other hand, Platinum parted ways with former Warriors mentor Rahman Gumbo last season and Chikuni took over as caretaker coach.
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They have since recalled 2012 Premiership top goalscorer Nelson Mazivisa, who was on loan to Shabanie Mine as well as Raymond Sibanda and Frankson Bushire from their neighbours.
Club has offloaded players, signed others
THE club has for this year axed former captain Zephaniah Ngodzo, Cabby Kamhapa, Thandazani Ndlovu, Rowen Nenzou, Norman Togara, Tafadzwa Dube and Tsungi Mudzamiri among other senior players.
Platinum have also signed the Hwange duo of Zambian defender Aaron Katebe and goalkeeper Petros Mhari.
