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Lloyd Mutasa

Paul Mundandi in ZVISHAVANE
FC Platinum have said Lloyd Mutasa’s job is safe and dismissed reports circulating that the coach might be on his way out should he lose the Zvishavane Derby at Maglas tomorrow. Mutasa’s relationship with the fans plunged to an all-time low after Kugona Kunenge Kudada were knocked out of the NetOne OneWallet Cup by Chicken Inn on home soil.

But club chairman George Mawere said they were fully behind the coach.
“FC Platinum executive strongly refutes media reports alleging that a decision has been made to replace its head coach Lloyd Mutasa,” Mawere said in a statement.
“The executive of the club believes it’s premature to dismiss the coach.

“For the past year we have been going through a rebuilding exercise, which has seen a number of new players, juniors included, joining the team. This factor, taken together with the fact that 12 of our senior players are battling with various forms of injuries, has understandably contributed to our under-performance.
“What we need more than ever is to believe in our team and show unity of purpose. I have no doubt FC Platinum will emerge from this episode a stronger club.”

Mawere, one of the true gentlemen in the game, urged the fans to be patient and resist the temptation to turn violent even if their team doesn’t do well in the explosive Zvishavane Derby.

“I expect the derby to live to its billing as one of the best in the country,” said Mawere.
Mutasa appealed to his team’s fans to rally behind them.

“Fans must not panic. We have targets and they need also to know our targets. The Premiership is a journey and, as the FC Platinum family, we are confident that we are going to achieve what we have set (out to do).
“I am very positive on this one.

“I want to assure everyone that we are going to do better than what we did last year.”
Mutasa introduced a new style of passing football and promoted a number of young players into the team.

Tarisai Rukanda is injured, Donald Ngoma has a shoulder problem, Nelson Maziwisa and Stephen Sibanda are in plaster and Daniel Veremu’s plaster was only removed last week.

Shabanie Mine coach John Phiri labelled his rivals “unprofessional” ahead of their derby showdown.
“FC Platinum are wealthy but very unprofessional and will miss the championship again this season because the gods and spirits in the mining town are not happy,” said Phiri.

“They might even fail to finish in the top eight because they want Shabanie Mine FC to die and many hearts in the town are not happy about that and that will lead to their failure to win major silverware, except the four-team tournaments.

“Ashley ‘Mabhurugwa’ Mukwena will be good for them because he has already shown his behaviour (unprofessionalism) which suits them well.
“I picked that player in the bin and made him what he is today. He had no playing equipment, except a three-quarter shot, which earned him the nickname.

“I gave him my boots, shorts and all but today he has shown me what he is made of and I wish him the best.”
Mukwena is a wanted man at FC Platinum and, after being approached by the club and promised a US$4 000 signing-on fee. He has never reported for training at Shabanie Mine from that day.

He still has one-and-half years left on his contract and Shabanie has asked for US$30 000 for his signature.
FC Platinum are believed to be offering US$15 000. It is a move that has incensed Shabanie and their fans as they believe FC Platinum are using dirty tactics as they have managed to convince the player to go into hiding so that he does not feature in the derby match.

Phiri is expecting a victory tomorrow.
“I want maximum points and I am appealing for fair play. Officials must not take sides and the better team of the day must win.
“We do not want violence and if a match is handled properly fans will appreciate. I salute my traditional leader Chief Mapanzure for his plea on Thursday and he is a very fair person and may the Almighty God bless him.

“He needs fans to enjoy the derby and I hope those in authority will keep his wise words in their hearts.”