The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
Sports Reporter
FC Platinum coach Hendrikus Pieter de Jongh will be hoping to tap into some of the lessons learnt under the tutelage of fellow Dutchmen Ronald Koeman and Wim Rijsbergen when he ventures into the tricky territory of African football with the Zimbabwe champions.
De Jongh worked as Barcelona head coach Koeman’s assistant when the Netherlands legend was in charge of Az Alkmaar in 2009.
He also learnt from Wim Rijsbergen, the Solomon Islands’ head coach.
Despite dominating the domestic Premiership in the last three years, FC Platinum are yet to register a win in the Champions League group stages, finishing bottom on both occasions they have participated after managing two draws in 2018 and just a point the following year.
De Jongh is hoping his arrival at the Zvishavane miners could change their fortunes.
But, as has been the case, FC Platinum would once again have to negotiate their way past the preliminary stages.
“Our focus now is on progressing from the preliminary rounds, but my ultimate target is to take FC Platinum to the last eight and see how we take it from there,” said De Jongh.
The gaffer said he intends to leverage on experience gained during his stint as part of Koeman’s backroom staff during Dutch giants Az Alkmaar’s UEFA Champions League campaign in 2009, to navigate the treacherous African football terrain.
“This is not my first time participating in a Champions League, I have been there before; in fact, I worked as an assistant to Ronald Koeman at Az Alkmaar during one of their campaigns in the UEFA Champions League in 2009.
“I hope to use the experience that I gained in the UEFA Champions League and the experience that I have gained in Africa. I am hoping that I will combine the two and help FC Platinum to be the champions of Africa.”
Although they have gone their separate ways with Koeman, who is under pressure to restore glory at the Catalan giants, the Dutchman still regularly talks with his countryman.
“I still talk to both Koeman and Rijsbergen.
“I learnt a lot form Koeman as his assistant and occasionally I seek advice from him, though he is now a busy man.
“As for Rijsbergen, we talk twice a week, and he is my mentor.
“I regularly seek advice from him and think this will be in the best interest of FC Platinum and Zimbabwean football.”
After seven months of inactivity, De Jongh is happy with the progress of his players and is confident of getting them into shape by the time the Champions League kicks off next month.
“We have been training for three weeks now; we had about seven players who were not in good shape, and it was expected considering that they have been idle for the last seven months.
“We had to work on their weights, subjecting them to the scale twice a week.
“Not only did the break affect their bodies, but it had a major effect on their minds, and that is what we have been working on.
“I am happy to state that we have noticed some gradual improvements over the past week.”
Although he is happy with Government’s decision to give the platinum miners the green light to resume training ahead of their participation in the Champions League, De Jongh believes his team will need to play friendlies for proper assessment.
“We have gone for seven months without training nor playing competitive football. Our last game was on March 14.
“We need to play at least two friendlies before the preliminary round.
“Without friendly games, results are not possible,” he said.
De Jongh revealed that FC Platinum would be engaging Government to allow the team to travel to Mozambique for some friendly matches as part of their preparations.
“We are negotiating to go to Mozambique for three friendly games slated for November 6 to November 15.
“It is an unusual situation we find ourselves in, but health comes first. From my one-on-one meetings with the players, they are hungry and eager for success. There is a great atmosphere and great cooperation,” said the Dutchman.
