FC PLATINUM relinquished their newly found status of Cup Kings when they were knocked out of the One Wallet Cup on Friday, but coach Lloyd Mutasa is not losing focus either.
MUKUDZEI CHINGWERE
Pure Platinum play came into the One Wallet Cup quarter-finals with an impressive record under Mutasa of having won both cup competitions — the C G Msipa and Uhuru Cup — they have competed in this season.
FC Platinum’s 0-1 loss to Chicken Inn on Friday was another minor setback, but not quite when it comes to major tournaments, having lost the league on the last day in 2011 and also losing finalist in BancABC Sup8r last year. But Mutasa is now shifting focus to a new challenge, and his immediate task is to follow up their 2-1 win over fiercest rivals Shabanie Mine when they travel for yet another intriguing league confrontation to Maglas Stadium.
“That game is now water under the bridge. The result was disappointing, but we have to move on,” said Mutasa.
“We would have wanted to keep our good form in the cup, but this one we failed and we have to target other objectives. Our next assignment will be a league game and it will be very important to quickly return to winning ways,” said Mutasa.
After Friday’s match, Mutasa cited lack of creativity upfront for their loss and with the transfer window in full swing they will look to make the most in addressing their shortcomings on the market. Pure Platinum play is rumoured to be in the market chasing Shabanie Mine forward Ashley Mukwena who has the ability to create for others as well as score.
Asked about Mukwena’s pursuit Mutasa could neither confirm nor deny the impending transfer. Shabanie Mine coach John Phiri remains confident that even if rivals raid their team, they will build a stronger one.
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“We are likely to lose most of our star players during this window period. We have scouted a number of players and I have talked and convinced our targets to join us so the executive is finalising on bringing them, but I cannot tell you the names as it can affect negotiations,” continued Phiri.
“Even if a number of players are to leave it doesn’t matter, I am confident with what we have. During times like these that’s when people can notice how good a coach is at times. We are already building a team I am confident will be very difficult to beat.
“In our next game against FC Platinum we want to prove that we have a very good team,” said Phiri. Shabanie host their across-town rivals this Sunday with revenge likely to be high on their agenda following last week’s 1-2 loss at the hands of the same opponent.
