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Ali Sadiki

Paul Mundandi in ZVISHAVANE
ZIMBABWE international forward Ali Sadiki has finally penned a three-year deal to join TP Mazembe.
Sadiki left Zimbabwe last month with Zambian defender Aaron Katebe, for a two-week trial stint at Mazembe where he made a big impression.

“I have penned a three-year deal with TP Mazembe. I would like to thank the FC Platinum family for the change they have brought into my life,” said Sadiki.

“I will never forget them and I just want to tell them that I will come back to Mandava one day so that they will see their ‘Messi’ once again.”

Sadiki also spoke about the Nations Cup tie that the Warriors face against Tanzania on Sunday.

“We must not put ourselves under any pressure. We need to score an early goal and everything will be easy for us,” said Sadiki. “I will be supporting them since I am not playing. It is now our time to make things happen.”

Mazembe have turned themselves into a second  home for Zimbabwean players with Mthulisi Maphosa, Darryl Nyandoro, Chris Samakwere and Daniel Zokoto all having a stint at the club.

Meanwhile, FC Platinum will play an American side, Notre Dame University, tomorrow at 11am at Mandava in a practice match.
The team, coached by former Highlanders coach Bobby Clark, recently won the inter-collegiate championship in the United States.
Clark told the international media, when the tour was confirmed, that he was thrilled to be “going back home.”

They have already played Hwange Juniors and will play Plumtree Chiefs on Thursday.

They will also play Bantu Rovers and Highlanders at a date to be confirmed.

“We did not come to Zimbabwe as tourists even though the period is three weeks. We are going to have great games, be involved with grassroots soccer and working clinics besides getting absorbed into the African culture,” said Clark on their official website.

The team is currently camped at Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo and will leave the country on June 9.