‘We don’t buy success’

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter

FC PLATINUM are known to be the “Money Bags”, but coach Norman Mapeza says they have not bought their way to success.

Contrary to public belief that FC Platinum buys the best players in the land, which has aided their dominance in the domestic league, Mapeza says their secret to success has only been hard work and sacrifice. Mapeza, a four times domestic champion as a coach indicated that they look out for players who are out of contract and sign them.

“People talk about us having money and buying players, we don’t buy players. Ever since I was here we have not bought a player, if they tell you we have bought players they will be lying. Ever since l was here in 2014 we have not bought players. We have looked for people who have run out their contracts. If l want him we talk to them and they come.

We don’t buy players. There is no money. Of course, we have a nice bus but there is no money. Its hard work and someone who doesn’t rest. Even before we came here, we already had a two week plan.”
FC Platinum, as the defending league champions will begin their 2023 season campaign with a tie against the 2022 Chibuku Super Cup winners Bulawayo Chiefs in the Castle Challenge Cup.

The fixture means Mapeza will collide with his former assistant Lizwe Sweswe who has now assumed the role of head coach at Bulawayo Chiefs. Asked if working together before will have an impact on the game, Mapeza said a lot has changed since then.

“I don’t operate the same way. It’s not going to be an easy game but it’s all about preparation and how much you put into that game. In football you can’t foretell things, l understand they started training on Monday, they might come to Zvishavane and get hammered,” said Mapeza.

Mapeza said he was happy with the new signings in his team. He said there will be no departures but maybe two or three additions to the squad. FC Platinum, who have since parted ways with William Stima, Blessing Moyo, Nigel Makumbe, Onifade Abubakar Temitope, and Evidence Tendayi have been training in Bulawayo.

Pure Platinum Play have reunited with Perfect Chikwende who left Bulawayo Chiefs. Jarrison Selemani (25) and left back Misheck Ngwenya (24) have also joined. Selemani joined Platinum from Cranborne Bullets. Ngwenya previously did duty for Triangle United. — Follow on Twitter @innocentskizoe