Collen Nikisi
Fc Platinum’s top priority in the July transfer window is to sign a “versatile attacking midfielder and central striker.
Pure Platinum Play have laboured for goals this season and the 12 goals scored in 11 games betrays the average ball possession of 63 percent, 9 shots per game and passing accuracy of 65 percent.
The defending champions who thrive on short passes and possession football have created more chances than any other team in the attacking third and in games lost or drawn the strikers have missed chances with stunning regularity.
However, this problem is not unique to Fc Platinum alone but is now a national and regional disaster requiring concerted efforts by all stakeholders. Maybe we need to go back to the basics and roll out a 10year junior football development plan.
As the defending champions prepare to take on Bulawayo Chiefs on Saturday coach Norman Mapeza has challenged his strikers to convert the numerous chances the team is creating.
“Our biggest challenge is in the final third we are not creative enough. We need to improve on our movements and give support to the man on the ball. As Fc Platinum we want to play a possessional game but we need to do that with a purpose because at the end of the day what counts in terms of points are goals”, said Mapeza.
Mapeza is now looking at bolstering his strike-force and midfield in the mid-season transfer window and a host of players from Zambia , Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria , Benin and Kenya have flocked the club for trials.
“We have got some guys here on trials and currently assessing them. I have to be very honest with you we need a central striker and attacking midfielder and hopefully someone like Rodwell Chinyengetere”, said Mapeza .
Fixtures
Saturday 15 June: Bulawayo Chiefs v FC Platinum (Luveve), Chapungu v
Yadah (Mandava), Black Rhinos v ZPC Kariba (NSS), Harare City v Herentals
(Rufaro).
Sunday 16 June: CAPS United v TelOne (NSS), Triangle v Chicken Inn (Gibbo), Mushowani v Hwange (Rufaro), Highlanders v Dynamos (Barbourfields), Manica Diamonds v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Vengere)
