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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza says the prospects of football returning behind closed doors will not affect his side as they have played high profile games under the same circumstances during their participation in the CAF inter-club competitions.

Domestic football is expected to return next month under strict Covid-19 guidelines. The game failed to kick off last year because of the pandemic.

The platinum miners began training two weeks ago after conducting Covid-19 tests.

“Our training is just normal. For us we can’t really say we are excited because we have been playing football before and this thing of football returning without fans I think for us it’s not new.

“We have been playing games without fans. So it’s not new to us,” said Mapeza.

The platinum miners, who won the last three titles in succession, recently represented Zimbabwe in the CAF Champions League where they reached the first round. They also featured in the Confederation Cup group play-offs.

The Zvishavane side will be looking to maintain their dominance when football begins with a cluster competition next month. The league proper is expected to kickoff later in the year.

“As for the league format, I really do not want to comment much about it because I really don’t know what was decided by PSL and the stakeholders.

“We just have to work and see what happens as the game progresses,” said Mapeza.

The Premier Soccer league have proposed the return of football in a cluster competition, which will be hosted in four cities.
According to the proposals, the teams will be placed under four groups.  Dynamos will be in Group One along with CAPS United, Harare City, Herentals, Yadah and ZPC Kariba.

Group Two will have Bulawayo teams —Bulawayo Chiefs, Bulawayo City, Chicken Inn and Highlanders.

Group Three will have Manica Diamonds and Tenax together with Black Rhinos and Cranborne Bullets.
Zvishavane will host the fourth group that comprises defending champions FC Platinum, Ngezi Platinum Stars, Triangle United and Whawha.