Daniel Veremu
Paul Mundandi in ZVISHAVANE
FC PLATINUM skipper Daniel Veremu wants his troops to brace for a tough encounter on Sunday when they begin their campaign in the Caf Confederation Cup preliminary round against Kenya’s Sofapaka. The veteran defender said it was important they start on a good note. “We must have good character and the ability to resist the pressure because we will be playing away from home,” said Veremu.
“We played friendly matches and we have seen our weaknesses and we are working hard on these weaknesses before the game on Sunday.
“The preparations have gone well and everyone worked hard during pre-season. I am happy there is unity in our squad, morale is high and everyone is raring to go. “I have a strong belief that we are going to win the match although I can’t predict the scoreline.
“I believe in our technical team headed by coach Mapeza (Norman) who has seen it all in Africa and Europe.
“I rate him as the best in the country.”
Veremu, Thabani Kamusoko, Gift Bello, Aaron Katebe and goalkeeper Petros Mhari are the most experienced players in the team.
Bello and Kamusoko played for champions Dynamos with Katebe and Mhari having played for Hwange in Caf competitions.
“I have been working very hard and I am just beginning to gain shape and I hope that I will also be playing an integral part in the team,” said Veremu, who struggled with injuries last season.
Young Warriors star Emmanuel Mandiranga, Brian Muzondiwa and Wellington Kamudyariwa are some new signings who are expected to add punch to the miners.
They joined a pool of exciting youngsters Tatenda Dzumbunu, Wisdom Mutasa, Walter Musona, Raphael Muduviwa and the Moyo twins — Kelvin and Elvis.
FC Platinum squad:
Goalkeepers
Petros Mhari, Francis Tizayi
Defenders
Raphael Muduviwa, Kelvin Njabulo Moyo, Elvis Moyo, Gift Bello, Daniel Veremu, Aaron Katebe, Ian Nekati
Midfielders
Wisdom Mutasa, Simon Shoko, Tatenda Dzumbunu, Raymond Sibanda , Walter Musona, Thabani Kamusoko, Allen Gahadzikwa , Marshall Mudehwe, Brian Muzondiwa, Wellington Kamudyariwa
Strikers
Nelson Maziwisa, Obrey Chola Chirwa, Donald Ngoma, Nigel Papias, Emmanuel Mandiranga