FC Platinum coach Thabo Senong’s Midas touch is beginning to yield results in Zimbabwe, as he has awakened a sleeping giant, FC Platinum, that was slowly turning into a pale shadow of its former self.
Senong, at the helm of four-time Zimbabwe champions FC Platinum, is proving to be the coach the club needed to turn their fortunes around, given how he has fared since taking over.
Although he faced challenges in securing a work permit, Senong has convinced everyone at the club, leaving the executive and supporters believing he is exactly what they needed to rise again.
At the time of his arrival in late July, FC Platinum had last won a match at home in May. However, Senong turned their fortunes around, accounting for two wins in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League over Agama FC and ZPC Kariba by an identical 1-0 scoreline.
Pure Platinum Play also forced a goalless draw against star-studded Scottland FC. That league form has spilled into the country’s newest and biggest cup competition – ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge. The South African tactician is thrilled by how quickly the squad has adapted to his philosophy.
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“What excites me most is the reaction of the players. They have embraced the philosophy very quickly. It’s not easy to change the mindset in the middle of the season,” he added.
“But they have been willing to learn, to work hard and to fight for each other. When you see that adaptation happening this fast, as a coach you can only be happy.”
The Zvishavane-based side has reached the semi-finals of the R16.6 million [US$1 million] ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, where they will face FC Hunters. The winners of this competition will represent Zimbabwe in the 2027/28 CAF Confederations Cup.
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FC Platinum made a strong impression in the Round of 16 and quarter-finals of the tournament, beating Blackrock FC 2-0 and Blanket Mine FC 3-0 respectively.
In total, Senong has kept five clean sheets across all competitions in the five matches he has presided over. He is one of the few coaches in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League to have avoided conceding in the last two months.
A former Bafana Bafana assistant coach, Senong is proving to be the man FC Platinum needed to awaken from their slumber. Senong is now working hand in glove with Onismor Bhasera as his assistant, following the exit of Reneilwe Letsholonyane.
Nevertheless, he has remained steadfast and hopes his team can rise to become one of the contenders for the league title.
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