Onward Gangata
FC PLATINUM has shifted its focus in terms of nurturing the next generation of football stars for their team focusing on developing raw talent.
This has seen the club’s developmental side- FC Platinum under 19 side- returning to their core business of talent identification and development.
The developmental side plays in the Central Region Soccer League and this year has an average age of 16 years.
Unlike in previous seasons when the FC Platinum U19 side had drifted from its mandate choosing to be competitive thereby negating the development aspect.
New developments at the club have also seen the school of excellence being moved from Guinea Fowl High School in Gweru to Zvishavane high.
FC Platinum general manager Collen Nikisi gave an insight into the changes at the former champions.
“This year we have changed our strategy, we are now purely focusing on talent development,” said Nikisi.
“Unlike in previous seasons when we had some players over 19 playing in the development side, this year we have disbanded and started afresh with mainly teenagers with an average age of 16.”
The Zvishavane side have one of the most industrious junior policy programs in the country.
In the current squad, FC Platinum has several players that have come through their developmental side.
Striker Jerry Ruzive, winger Oscar Bhebhe, David Mangesi, Takunda Manyuchi and Tatenda Jamu are all products of the club’s junior policy.
Coach Joel Luphahla has already promoted two exciting players from the under 19 side, 18 year old goalkeeper, Wellington Chipezeze and Brian Karipi (16).
The club has loaned out some of its brightest prospects who couldn’t make the grade with the senior team.
Exciting midfielder, Beven Kaitano and striker Lloyd Karengo are at Blanket Mine while Amicable Sibanda is at Masvingo United.
“Those whom we had but over 19 that we felt had a chance to develop were loaned out to fellow division one sides.
“The idea being that we want to expose them to high level football and will be recalled as and when we feel the time is right to have them back,” added Nikisi.
Coach speaks on transition process
FC Platinum U19 have largely been underwhelming in the Central Region Soccer League this season.
And coach Moses Mwafulirwa understands the challenges that come with the transition.
Mwafulirwa’s youngsters are bottom of the standings with four points from 10 outings.
“This season it is a new project, we have new players they are all at school doing their O’ Levels,” said the former Lancashire Steel midfielder.
“It is a transition from school football to competitive football,it’s difficult but we are going to get it right.”
