We will bounce back: Mapeza

Langton Nyakwenda

FOR four consecutive years, they became the dominant force in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, winning a quadruple of championships and knockout tournaments.

FC Platinum were even threatening to become Zimbabwe’s own version of Mamelodi Sundowns, until they were dethroned by fellow miners Ngezi Platinum Stars last  season.

Just like Sundowns of South Africa, who have ended Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs’ hegemony in the Super Diski with six straight titles, FC Platinum also upset the applecart in 2017 when they became the first team from outside Harare to win the PSL title since independence.

They went on to win three more on the trot, matching giants Dynamos and Highlanders, who are the only other sides with a four-peat in the Premiership era.

Bosso won four straight titles between 1999 and 2002, while DeMbare achieved the same feat under Kalisto Pasuwa in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

There is no doubt FC Platinum have evolved into a local football powerhouse under Norman Mapeza, who won three of the club’s four championships, while the other one was achieved under Lizwe Sweswe.

Apart from winning four straight titles, Pure Platinum Play have failed to finish in the top four only once — in 2012 — since making their Premiership debut in 2011.

But alarm bells rang in Zvishavane last season.

Not only did FC Platinum fail to defend their title, they also finished a distant fourth and 11 points behind champions Ngezi.

They conceded 29 goals, an uncharacteristic statistic for a side that built their reputation on defensive discipline under Mapeza.

They conceded an average of 14.6 goals per season between 2016 and 2022.

“It’s all about hard work, but the truth about football is that any team can win, lose or draw,” Mapeza told The Sunday Mail Sport.

But the revered former Zimbabwe coach is not oblivious of the fact that FC Platinum are under pressure to reclaim the league title, given their status in the top-flight during the last six or so seasons.

The 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League is expected to kick off in a fortnight.

“As FC Platinum, we have our own targets, given where we are coming from.

“We are just pushing to win the league, that’s our biggest objective,” Mapeza said.

In response to last season’s poor show by their standards, Mapeza has revitalised his squad with a mixed bag of quality.

Highly rated centre-back Mbongeni Ndlovu has come in as a direct replacement of Gift Bello, who retired at the end of last season.

FC Platinum have also enlisted the services of former Herentals winger Davison Marowa, central midfielder Shepherd Mhlanga from Chicken Inn, another midfielder Brighton Manhire from Highlanders and goalkeeper David Bizabani, who arrived from Green Fuel.

“Everything is okay on this side and everything has gone well.

“We started the pre-season here in Zvishavane, then we went to Bulawayo for two weeks.

“We had a very fruitful two weeks in Bulawayo and our players bonded well. We are now back in Zvishavane, preparing for the new season,” said Mapeza.

Despite losing key players, including Walter Musona and Perfect Chikwende, who are now at Simba Bhora, as well as Nomore Chinyerere (Dynamos), Mapeza remains optimistic that the Beast can terrorise opponents again.

Mapeza also offloaded Gift Mbweti, Innocent Mucheneka and the injury-prone Raphael Muduviwa.

He spoke highly of his new acquisitions.

“(Shepherd) Mhlanga is a very good player; he can bring a lot of stability in our midfield, which I believe was a little bit thin last season.

“Mbongeni (Ndlovu) is a left-sided centre-back; he did well at Highlanders and now he is with us. He will add to our defending system.

“Marowa plays on the right side of the attack or on the left side.

“From what I have seen, the guys are looking okay and we just hope everything goes well for us when the season begins.”

Mapeza thinks he still has a stable team that “can go far” in the championship race.

FC Platinum managed to retain the services of influential players, including underrated box-to-box midfielder Brian “BB” Banda, Juan Mutudza, Rainsome Pavari, Jarrison Selemani, Panashe Mutimbanyoka, Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya and goalkeeper Wallace Magalane.

Defenders Lawrence Mhlanga and Misheck Ngwenya are also still at Mandava.

As has become the norm, Mapeza also promoted two players — Anesu Chirinda and Tapiwa Reves — from FC Platinum’s developmental side.

“I will keep giving these youngsters a chance because that is the reason we have this developmental side,” Mapeza said.

FC Platinum will begin their quest to reclaim the title with a home fixture against newly promoted Chegutu Pirates.

They will play Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab Stadium on Match Day 2, before facing Chicken Inn, Herentals and CAPS United in a rather tricky opening to the 2024 campaign.

However, Mapeza remains unmoved.

“The fixtures are out but do they play football? No!

“We need fixtures only to prepare for the games,” he says.

The former Warriors captain and Galatasaray midfielder is, however, impressed with the way PSL clubs are embracing technology.

“Most clubs are now engaging in the latest technology, data analysis and stuff.

“They want to know all the details about the game. This shows you football is moving in the right direction.

“So, it’s going to be a very competitive season, and I just wish all the teams in the league the best of luck,” he said.

Mapeza had one last special message to the fans.

“Let’s not get involved in violence. Football is just a game. Any team can win, lose or draw.”

While FC Platinum’s ambition is to quickly bounce back to the podium, traditional
rivals Dynamos, Highlanders, CAPS United, Ngezi and Manica Diamonds have all been busy on the transfer market, bolstering their squads.

Green Fuel and Simba Bhora may have debuted in the PSL last year, but they have experienced coaches in Rodwell Dhlakama and Tonderai Ndiraya, who will have a huge say in the destiny of the title.

The 2024 campaign kicks off with the blockbuster Battle of Zimbabwe fixture between Highlanders and Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium.

X: @LangtonGuraz