By Onward Gangata
FC Platinum coach, Norman Mapeza has pleaded for patience for his new look squad ahead of the start of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) season.
In their opening match of the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, the Zvishavane side are away to Simba Bhora on Saturday.
Mapeza has a new look squad after several players departed during the off season.
Defence lynchpin, Lawrence Mhlanga is now at Manica Diamonds together with Rainsome Pavari.
Panashe Mutimbanyoka could not resist the financial power of Scottland while the duo of Kelvin Mangiza and Juan Mutudza opted to join Caps United.
Pure Platinum Play have however, been very active on the transfer market making reinforcements to their squad.
Headlining FC Platinum’s new acquisitions is the Malawian trio of Nickson Nyasulu, Vincent Nyangulu and Precious Phiri.
They have also added forwards Jimmy Ngulube and Claivert Tshuma as well as the versatile Thubelihle Jubane and Corey Black.
Mapeza feels the new players need time to settle and adapt to the new environment.
“If we bring in any new player, we have a certain way of how we want football to be played,” the former warriors skipper said.
“I am not saying it’s different from all over the world. It’s the same, these players need to adapt.
“If you look at the squad we have now, majority of players we have here are new, they need time to jell.
“To see how things are done at this club and how football is played in Zimbabwe.There is potential but they need time.”
The 52 year old pointed out that the encounter against Simba Bhora is no different from any other league match.
He quashed the notion that such high profile matches are season defining and a yardstick of his squad’s strength.
“It is the first game of the season, it’s like if we go there if we don’t get points, is it going to determine how we are going to do the whole season?
“They are having the same mentality as we have and the rest of the club’s in the league, to play for three points.
“I cannot judge ourselves because of one game, not any coach in the world will judge his team because of one game,” added Mapeza.
