The Sunday Mail
FC PLATINUM warmed up for their CAF Confederations Cup first round assignment with a one-all draw against Highlanders in a friendly match at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
The Zvishavane miners are set to leave for Kenya on Friday for the first round clash with Sofapaka at Nyayo National Stadium on February 15.
Striker Donald Ngoma continued with his fine pre-season form, scoring FC Platinum’s goal just a week after netting a brace against relegated Bantu Rovers in another friendly played at Maglas in Zvishavane.
Bosso roving left-back Bruce Kangwa was on target for the Bulawayo giants who are rebuilding under the tutelage of new gaffer Bongani Mafu.
FC Platinum stand-in coach Patrick Mandizha, who held fort in the absence of Norman Mapeza, who is attending a CAF A License course in the capital, fielded a largely unchanged squad to the one that played against Bantu Rovers.
Skipper Thabani Kamusoko anchored a midfield that had Tatenda Dzumbunu and Wisdom Mutasa as attacking linkmen, with Walter Musona and new acquisition Brian Muzondiwa providing the width.
Mandizha also gave a run to new signings Wellington Kamudyariwa and Emmanuel Mandiranga, with the gaffer particularly impressed by Kamudyariwa who came in for Mutasa.
“This game was all about gauging our endurance levels ahead of the crucial CAF Confederations tie and I must say we are getting there.
“The players are just coming from the off season and naturally their physical status is poor and we have been working on that aspect since we regrouped for the upcoming season.
“We are not only focusing on the upcoming tie against Sofapaka, we have the 2015 Castle Lager Premier Soccer season coming next month.
“I must say I was also particularly happy with the way Welly (Kamudyariwa) played today, he is adjusting to our system and that can only be good for our plans,” said Mandizha.
