FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza put on a brave face yesterday as he previewed his side’s upcoming Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against Chicken Inn, but the pain in his voice was evident.
The veteran coach was speaking to the media for the first time since the funeral of star midfielder Brian Banda, who died in a car accident two weeks ago at the age of 29.
FC Platinum’s league game against Manica Diamonds was even postponed, as the football fraternity struggled to come to terms with the tragedy.
Mapeza admitted that the FC Platinum family is still hurt by Banda’s death, especially midfielder Divine Mhindirira, who reportedly should have travelled to Bulawayo with the late midfielder but chose to do so earlier to watch the Highlanders-MWOS game at Barbourfields.
“Divine is still out (through injury), and I think he was one most affected by Brian’s death, but he is back in training now. We will keep monitoring him,” said Mapeza.
The former Warriors captain hinted at the possibility of the Platinum miners replacing Banda as well as Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, who left for South African Premiership side AmaZulu.
“We are still looking around for those replacements, but time is not on our side. I always talk about it; looking for players in the mid-season break is always difficult, but we will look around, and if there are any replacements, then definitely we will let you know,” said Mapeza.
In the upcoming match against Chicken Inn, Mapeza expects a very difficult match, as Joey Antipas’ charges have always given them problems.
“We are playing against a very good side in Chicken Inn. They are coming here after a convincing victory against Yadah, so in terms of morale, they will be up there,” he said.
“It’s not going to be an easy game for us because if you look at our previous games against Chicken Inn here at Mandava, they always give us problems, but like I said, we are ready,” added Mapeza.
