FC PLATINUM midfielder/defender Ali Sadiki and Aaron Katebe will miss today’s Independence Trophy final against Dynamos at the National Sports Stadium as they are being assessed by the cash-rich Democratic Republic of Congo champions TP Mazembe.
Fortune Mbele Sports Reporter
TP Mazembe are touring Zambia. They arrived on Sunday. Sadiki and Katebe played in a 1-0 win over MTN FAZ Super League side Konkola Mine Police at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Wednesday.
TP Mazembe drew 1-1 in another match with Power Dynamos.
FC Platinum media liaison officer Chipo Chizondo yesterday confirmed the pair’s excursion to Zambia and said they will miss the Uhuru final.
“They arrived in Zambia yesterday (Wednesday) and they are showcasing for TP Mazembe who want to have a look at them and see if they can join the team for trials. We have not received any communication from TP Mazembe, but we are hoping to hear from them today. They played for TP Mazembe yesterday and will not be taking part in the Independence Trophy final,” Chizondo said.
TP Mazembe has been home to Highlanders midfielder Mthulisi Maphosa, Daniel Zokoto, Chris Samakweri and Darryl Nyandoro.
Malawian international and former Caps United’s Joseph Kamwendo, who became the first foreign player to be named soccer star of the year in 2005, plays for TP Mazembe owned by Congolese businessman and politician billionaire Moise Katumbi.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
FC Platinum have not had a good start to the season, with a 1-1 draw to the Moses Chunga-coachd Premier Soccer League newcomers Chiredzi FC at Chishamiso Stadium and losing 2-3 to Hwange at home at Mandava Stadium last Saturday.
A win against Dynamos in the Uhuru final would definitely be a confidence booster for the platinum miners ahead of their third league match against Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium on Monday.
Missing in action will be injured Njabulo “Tshiki” Ncube, but coach Lloyd Mutasa has in camp Thabani Kamusoko, Mitchelle Katsvairo, Qadir Amin, Tarisai Rukanda and Nelson Maziwisa.
Platinum have Walter Musona, Allen Gahadzikwa, Gift Bello, Wisdom Mutasa, veteran defender Daniel Vheremu and goalkeeper Talbert Shumba.
Platinum beat Highlanders 6-5 in a penalty shoot-out in the semi-final of the Uhuru Cup at Barbourfields Stadium.
Dynamos, beat Harare City 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out in the other semi-final and will be hoping to win the Independence Trophy to earn their second piece of silverware after beating Highlanders in the Bob 90 Super Cup.
Winners of this year’s final will get $15 000 with the runners-up getting $10 000.
Bosso and Harare City battle it out for the third place, which has a prize of $7 000 while the fourth-placed team will pocket $5 000.
