FC Platinum's Mapeza sees Simba Bhora clash as ear...

FC Platinum's Mapeza sees Simba Bhora clash as early season acid test

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza has boldly declared their season opener against Simba Bhora as a crucial measure of their team's pedigree, as they embark on what promises to be a fiercely competitive 2025 Premier Soccer League campaign. The platinum miners are set to kick off their season with a challenging away fixture against the reigning champions at Wadzanai Stadium this afternoon.

Despite a significant player exodus during the off-season, including key figures like defender Rainsome Pavari, Lawrence Mhlanga, Juan Mutudza, and Panashe Mutimbanyoka, Mapeza remains confident in his team's ability to mount a strong title challenge.

The club has been active in the transfer market, securing the services of Malawian talents Nickson Nyasulu and Precious Phiri from Nyasa Big Bullets, and Vincent Nyanguli from Mighty Wanderers. They have also bolstered their squad with local acquisitions such as Cory Black from Blanket Mine, Thubelihle Jubane from Sheasham FC, James Nguluve from Green Fuel FC, and Claivert Tshuma from Hwange FC.

Addressing the media in Zvishavane, Mapeza emphasized the significance of their upcoming clash, stating, "We are playing a very good team, we had an opportunity to watch them on Saturday against Dynamos. You can’t even tell the difference between the Simba of last season and this one, they are the same. From what I saw, they are an organised team that is very solid at the back and they keep possession."

He stressed the importance of mental fortitude, urging his players to adopt a winning mentality. "What is important now for us is the mentality, whereby we tell ourselves that we are going to do well, and that we do well. Now we need to gel as much as we can because the season is starting. If we go there and not get points, it will not determine the season," Mapeza explained.

Acknowledging the competitive nature of the encounter, he added, "They are having the same mentality like us, to try and win. It’s going to be tough. The first games of the season are key and as a coach, I will be hoping to get maximum points."

Mapeza also addressed the challenge of integrating the new signings into the squad, highlighting the need for them to adapt quickly to the Zimbabwean football landscape. "These guys need to adapt. They are new here, Pavari [Ransom] is no longer here, Lawrence [Mhlanga], Mutimbanyoka [Panashe], Mutudza [Juan] and Kelvin [Mangiza], (they are all) no longer here, so we are hoping these (new) guys are fit and adapt as soon as they can. They need time to understand how many things are done here and how football is being played in Zimbabwe."

Last season, FC Platinum were the only team to achieve a double victory over Simba Bhora, then under the leadership of Tonderai Ndiraya, who has since moved to newly promoted Scottland. With Simba Bhora now under the guidance of Joel Luphahla, the team has undergone a significant rebuilding process, setting the stage for an intriguing and closely contested encounter.