FC PLATINUM preparations for the 2014 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season which kicks offs on the last weekend of March have been rocked by injuries.
MUKUDZEI CHINGWERE SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
Kugona Kunenge Kudada are sweating over the availability of several first team players including Zambian imports Aaron Katebe and Obrey Chirwa, midfielder Allen Gahadzikwa, Goalkeeper Petros Mhari and defenders Kelvin Moyo and Daniel Vheremu.
The Platinum miners fired warning shots to PSL rivals by winning the C G Msipa charity tournament early this month.
The Zvishavane-based side have bolstered their squad with proven performers like Gift Bello from Dynamos and they have also recruited promising future stars Wisdom Mutasa, Livingston Genti, James Marufu and Walter Musona.
But club coach Lloyd “Samaita” Mutasa reckons the recent injury scares in their camp have cost them ample time to prepare for the upcoming season.
“The injuries have affected our pre-season preparations,” Mutasa said.
“I would have loved to have all the players training as we are preparing. As a coach, you need to have all the players ready for the start of the season.
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“Match fitness is important and combinations are also key, so we have been robbed of that opportunity during the pre-season workout.
“But most of the guys are now doing light training and I expect them to be back for the start of the season,” Mutasa said.
The club’s media liaison officer Chido Chizondo also confirmed the injuries and said they were waiting for a medical report to know who would be available and who will not.
“Our physiotherapist is out of the country, but we are expecting him to be back this week. When he comes back then he can assess the players to ascertain who will be available for the season opener,” Chizondo said.
However, Vheremu would be out for the start of the season and is expected to come back end of April.
FC Platinum are still finalising a friendly match with Triangle this weekend as they continue their preparations.
