FC PLATINUM coach Norman Mapeza has likened Scottland FC’s massive recruitment drive to that of Black Rhinos’ class of 1984.
Mapeza made these remarks during a Press conference held in Zvishavane ahead of their blockbuster clash tomorrow at Mandava Stadium.
Like the Black Rhinos of 1984, Scottland FC have been so attractive as they have splashed money on players which other Premier Soccer Leagues clubs can only envy.
Similarly, when Black Rhinos were in fine fettle, they went on a massive recruitment drive, luring players mainly from giants Caps United and Dynamos ahead of the 1984 season.
And for Mapeza, Scottland have replicated the same feat in their maiden season.
The Mabvuku-based side have been the busiest since the season began, having lured arguably all the highly-rated players.
Most recently, they concluded the signing of Warriors star man Knowledge Musona along with youthful sensation Mafious Chihweta.
That is on top of Terrence Dzvukamanja, Namibian Moses Shidolo and Malawian Khuda Muyaba.
- FC Platinum reach Chibuku Cup last eight
- Inside sport: The right way to do it
- FC Platinum 8 points clear as Chicken Inn falters again
- FC Platinum move six points clear
Keep Reading
How they will end the season remains to be seen, but Mapeza is the first to admit that Scottland FC have made a huge statement of intent by their transfer business.
With a game in hand, a win will see FC Platinum catch up with Scottland, who have 43 points on their tally.
Last time out, their meeting ended in a 1-1 draw.
“Everybody knows the challenges we are going to face on Saturday. We are facing a very, very good team. I think one of the best assembled squads in the country,” Mapeza said.
“If you talk of Rhinos of ’84, where they picked up the best players in the league, I think this is one of the clubs which has done that. And I think their intentions are very clear.
“If you look at their position on the log, we don’t need anybody to tell you what they really want. So we know the challenges we are going to face. And we’re ready, we are ready.
“I am happy the boys have been pushing. And what is important is just for us to put everything into this game and see what happens come end of the day, Saturday.”
Ahead of tomorrow’s clash, Mapeza is not in a rush to parade his new signings Eric Manokore, Hastings Chapusha and Enock Karembo.
“Look, what most people don’t understand is when we bring in new faces here, we don’t just bring in someone and just throw him into play,” Mapeza added.
“We need to know his physical attributes, how is he in terms of his physicality.
“Technically they might be okay, but where we are at this stage of the season, it's about their physical conditioning.”
Added Mapeza: “Their physical conditioning, maybe we might give them a few minutes, but I can’t promise that we’ll throw them from the first position. We have to check their physicality first. It’s not going to be an easy game.
“It’s not going to be an easy game because in football, if you're not fit, it’s difficult for you to execute any technical moves. So that physical aspect of the game plays a very important role. So we will see. But I can't promise that we will throw them into play.”
