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FC PLATINUM midfielders Ali Sadiki and Zambian international Aaron Katebe will miss today’s Independence Trophy final against Dynamos at the National Sports Stadium as they are being assessed by Democratic Republic of Congo champions TP Mazembe.
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The cash-rich club is touring Zambia where they arrived on Sunday and Sadiki and Katebe played in a 1-0 win over MTN FAZ Super League side Konkola Mine Police at the 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 in Zambia and said they will miss the Uhuru final.
“They (Sadiki and Katebe) 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 them for trials. We have not received any communication from TP Mazembe, but we are hoping to hear from them today (yesterday).
They played for TP Mazembe on Wednesday 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 billionaire and politician Moise Katumbi.
FC Platinum have not had a good start to the season, beginning with a 1-1 draw to the Moses Chunga-coached Premier Soccer League newcomers Chiredzi FC at Chishamiso Stadium and losing 3-2 to Hwange at home at Mandava Stadium last Saturday.
A win against Dynamos in the Uhuru final will definitely be a confidence booster for the platinum miners ahead of their third league match against Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium on Monday.
Also missing in action is injured Njabulo “Tshiki” Ncube, but coach Lloyd Mutasa has in camp Thabani Kamusoko, Mitchelle Katsvairo, Qadr Amin, Tarisai Rukanda and Nelson Maziwisa.
Platinum also 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 shootout in the semi-final of the Uhuru Cup at Barbourfields Stadium.
Dynamos, who also beat Harare City 4-2 in a penalty shootout in the other semi-final, will be hoping to win the Independence Trophy to earn their second piece of silverware after beating Highlanders in the Bob 90 Super Cup final.
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 money of $7 000, while the losers will pocket $5 000.
