HARARE – FC PLATINUM are doubtful of their participation in the CAF African Champions League, pointing to financial constraints and the fact that they only have the January transfer window to sign players to strengthen their side.
The prestigious tournament has been rescheduled to match the European calendar. As from next year, the competitions will be starting in September and end in May, but the next edition is starting in December this year and the final date for registration is October 15.
FC Platinum spokesperson Chido Chizondo said they were yet to make a decision on their participation, despite allowing ZIFA to forward their name to CAF.
“Look, there’re a number of factors to consider first before a decision can be made. As you’re aware, we need to strengthen the team and we only have the January transfer window to sign players. So, the question is will we be able to sign players at short notice? Then there is also the issue of finance. What are the sponsors saying? There are many factors to be considered first,” said Chizondo.
FC Platinum were picked to represent the country in the Champions League, while Harare City, who won the Chibuku Super Cup, were given the opportunity to play in the CAF Confederations Cup.
CAF recently agreed to change the calendar for the two competitions so that it is aligned with the European calendar.
The local league, which still has 14 rounds of matches to play, can only declare a new champion who automatically qualifies to represent the country in the Champions League at the end of the season, which is set to be concluded in November. The same goes for the Chibuku Cup winners, with the competition also set to finish in late November.
Should they accept the offer, the platinum miners will be out to atone for a disappointing show in the tournament this year after they bowed out in the preliminary stages following shocking back-to-back defeats against Deportivo de Agosto of Angola.
