After a frustrating wait on the sidelines, Thabo Senong made an immediate impact on his FC Platinum debut, steering the side to victory before shrugging off his permit delays as a case of “better late than never.”
Senong was appointed FC Platinum coach, but his tenure was halted as his work permit approval was delayed for over three weeks.
Senong and his assistant, Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana legend Reneilwe Letsholonyane, were made to wait on the sidelines to make their debut.
During the wait, FC Platinum endured a mixed run across competitions. They edged Marere FC 1-0 in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup Round of 32, crashed out of the Chibuku Super Cup after a 3-1 defeat to Scottland FC, and held Simba Bhora FC to a 1-1 draw in the league.
But Senong’s arrival on Saturday delivered an instant turnaround. Armed with permit clearance received just two days prior, the South African coach steered FC Platinum past Agama FC, securing their first home victory at Mandava Stadium since May 16.
‘PATIENCE IS PART OF THE PROCESS’ SAYS THABO SENONG
After the win, Senong said the delay in starting his duties was unfortunate, but it helped him study his team and ensure the four-time Zimbabwe PSL champions rise from their slump.
“In football, patience is part of the process. The delay was frustrating, but it gave us time to prepare and study the environment. As they say, better late than never,” Senong said.
The win takes FC Platinum to ninth position with 35 points from 27 matches on the 18-team table. Senong replaced Joel Luphahla, who was sacked due to poor results after 25 matches in the 2026 season.
Senong has returned to Zimbabwe for another chapter after a botched stint with Highlanders FC earlier this year. He came to Bulawayo in January ready to start a two-year contract, but his tenure ended before it started.
Senong inherits an FC Platinum team that has won four league titles in the last decade. Three of those titles were won under former Chippa United mentor Norman Mapeza.
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