FC Platinum are taking a tactical and physical approach to pre-season, confirming a two-week camp in Zambia designed to fine-tune the squad ahead of the 2026 Premier Soccer League campaign.
Under new head coach Joel Lupahla, the four-time PSL champions are breaking from their traditional Bulawayo-based pre-season setup, opting instead for higher-intensity opposition and different playing conditions to test the squad’s readiness.
The move signals a shift in mentality after an inconsistent 2025 season, where FC Platinum finished sixth following early-season setbacks, including a damaging 5-2 loss to eventual champions Scottland FC at Mandava Stadium.
Lupahla, who replaced Norman Mapeza late last year, is looking to stamp his own tactical identity on the team. His focus is on improving match sharpness, pressing efficiency, and transitional play, areas that struggled last season.
The Zambian tour will expose FC Platinum to the league’s physically demanding, high-tempo style, forcing the team to make quicker decisions under pressure and adapt to intense pressing systems, mirroring the challenges they will face in the PSL.
Club general manager Collin Nikisi confirmed the trip, noting that friendlies are expected against top Zambian sides such as Zesco United and Zanaco, providing valuable tactical rehearsal ahead of the domestic campaign.
Recruitment has also been a key part of FC Platinum’s pre-season reset. International signings include Cameroonian goalkeeper Ekoi Manfred, Namibian striker Tjahikika Mbakondja, Cameroonian forward Emmanuel Dogbey, and midfielder Maxwell Paipi. Locally, additions like Trevor Bhunu, Takunda Vareta, Tadiwa Muchenje, Garikai Damatsika, David Mangezi, and Takunda Manyuchi add depth and competition across the spine and flanks, ensuring the squad can execute Lupahla’s pressing and transitional strategies effectively.
This Zambian camp marks the first concrete step in FC Platinum’s attempt to move from last season’s underperformance to a renewed title challenge, with the focus on conditioning, cohesion, and tactical sharpness, all critical metrics for a team aiming to reclaim PSL supremacy.
