The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda – Sports Reporter
WORKAHOLIC centre back Gift Bello has had a strong season at FC Platinum and is expected to play a crucial role in the club’s quest for silverware at Mandava this afternoon.
Bello’s experience has been invaluable in Norman Mapeza’s revolution at the red hot platinum miners, who are tipped to land the Chibuku Super Cup when they host Harare City at their home ground.
The pint-sized 30-year-old, who unceremoniously left Dynamos at the beginning of the season, leads an FC Platinum defence line that faces a possible onslaught from a City strike force fronted by the rejuvenated Francesco Zekumbawire.
The stark contrast in body frames makes the Bello versus Zekumbawire duel an interesting one.
Bello, who has usually partnered Kelvin Moyo at the heart of a defence that didn’t concede a goal en route to the final, believes Mapeza’s Midas Touch will inspire the team to glory.
Mapeza has masterminded an amazing turn of fortunes at the platinum miners, who have also gone for seven league matches undefeated, conceding just once in the process.
“Mapeza is a no nonsense coach; he is too demanding, I tell you . . . with coach Normara there is certainly no room for mistakes. He is one coach who will keep players on their toes all the time. However, I should say it has helped us defenders because we are always switched on. We rarely go to sleep.
“My type of play has also improved vastly under Mapeza, especially on the aspect of starting play from the back. Perhaps the fact that the coach was a respected centre-back during his playing days is also rubbing onto me,” said Bello, who was usually seen hoofing the ball up-field during his days at DeMbare.
Pure Platinum Play walloped Bantu Rovers 3-0 in the round of 16, dismissed Caps United 1-0 in the quarter-finals, before dumping Black Rhinos by a similar scoreline in the semis.
With a top-four finish in the league and a place in the revamped Mbada Diamonds Cup already guaranteed, Bello reckons the massive turnaround of the club’s fortunes will be sealed by clinching the Chibuku Super Cup.
“We have to do it for our coach, our supporters who have been fantastic through and through as well as the executive which has ensured a conducive operating environment. Morale is obviously high in camp because we are enjoying a bright spell, but we have to keep our feet on the ground.
“As one of the experienced players, my duty is also to guide the youngsters in the team and I am glad they are learning fast,” said Bello, who featured in the CAF Champions League for Dynamos for two years.
Bello is finding life in the small mining town of Zvishavane “sweet” and doesn’t regret his decision to ditch DeMbare and the capital city life back in February.
His departure from Dynamos, after a splendid 2013 season which saw him being named among the country’s best eleven footballers, caused a storm. DeMbare chairman Kenny Mubaiwa branded him a rebel.
But Bello moved on and is happy with the way things have panned out.
“So far, I have no complaints. Joining FC Platinum was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my entire life.
“I know the millions of DeMbare fans were bitter and found it hard to accept my departure, but I am sorry I had to move on with my career.
“Dynamos failed to stick to what we had agreed on in our contract negotiations and FC Platinum came in with a lucrative offer which I could not decline. Such is the nature of our jobs . . . remember we are working to feed our families,” said Bello.
The defender, who has earned himself the nickname “Durawall”, is contracted to the platinum miners until the end of 2015.
“If I am still at the top of my game by the time my contract expires, I will not hesitate to extend it with an even longer term. I am happy here; the club is so, so professional. All you have to do is play and get paid well. The fans are fantastic and my wish is that we lift the Chibuku Cup for them.
“At first, I found it difficult to adjust to life in this small town, being someone who had grown up in Mbare, but I got used, thanks to the acquaintance I got from my best friend and teammate Raphael Muduwiwa. I have settled now and the youngsters are beginning to feed off my experience which I think is vital for their progress.”
