BY WELLINGTON TONI AWAY from a poor start in the local league, FC Platinum have the chance to re-set the tone when they face Young Africans of Tanzania in the second leg, first round of the Caf Confederation Cup at Mandava Stadium tomorrow afternoon in what is certainly a tall order. Having lost the first leg 5-1 in Dar es Salaam three weeks ago, Platinum are hoping for the perfect Houdini Act that will not only restore confidence in their brand, but set the tone for their 2015 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) season. Young Africans arrive in Bulawayo today on the background of three league wins in a row and a comfortable four-point lead at the top of the Ligi kuu Bara ahead of defending champions Anzam, while Platinum are winless in two matches and lie deep on 11th place. Yanga, as the club founded in 1935 is affectionately known by their legion of fans, beat Kagera Sugar 2-1, defeated KJKT Mgambo 2-0 before thrashing Ruvu Stars 3-1 last Wednesday. They were inactive at the weekend as their national team, the Taifa Stars, were playing Malawi in an international friendly. On the other hand, Pure Platinum Play, founded in 1995 and having played in Africa twice since promotion into the PSL in 2011, drew 2-2 against Dongo Sawmills before losing 1-0 to Caps United. While this was not best preparation they needed for this match, Platinum simply need to rise and compete tomorrow afternoon. They cannot just bow out, in the event they don’t get the four goals they need, without a fight and their host of young and experienced players have to show they have the right to don the green and white of the most organised club in Zimbabwe. Goalkeeper and skipper Petros Mhari is likely to maintain his place with Raphael Muduviwa at right back. Gift Bello and Aaron Katebe are alternatives at central defence, while coach Norman Mapeza can choose between Kelvin and Elvis Moyo for the left-back position. At this stage where pride is at stake, a double anchor can work with Thabani Kamusoko and Simon Shoko pulling the strings. With Wisdom Mutasa out, Allen Gahadzikwa could start, while Walter Musona, Daniel Ngoma and Brian Muzondiwa will be tasked with goal scoring duties. There is also Nelson Mazivisa, Obrey Chola Chirwa and Wellington Kamudyariwa in contention for places. Some of the key players in the Yanga side include Kelvin Yondani, Salum Telela, Haruna Yinozima, Simon Msuva, Amis Tambwe and Mrisho Ngasha, who all played in the first leg. Midfielder Andrey Coutinho and strikers Kpah Sherman and Jeryson Tegete are out, according to the Daily News of Tanzania. Yanga skipper Nadir Haroub warned his teammates not to underestimate Platinum. “Platinum are a good team and we should not be carried away with the first leg win. We must go there and put in a good performance,” he said. “Anything can happen in football. It is possible to concede six or seven goals if you are not careful. There is no room for error and we should not comeback home with excuses,” he told the Daily News. Meanwhile, the Tanzania Football Federation competitions director Boniface Wambura has advised that Yanga will arrive in Bulawayo this morning on a private jet before proceeding to Zvishavane by road. The team’s delegation comprises 20 players and 10 officials. Match officials for the encounter are from Angola, while the match commissioner, William Shongwe, comes from Swaziland. Referee: Helder Martins de Carvalho Assistant 1: Jason Emillano Dos Santos Assistant 2: Wilson Valdmiro Ntyamba Reserve Referee: Joao Amado Goma Match Commissioner: William Makinati Shongwe
