Fifa boss salutes FCP
WORLD football governing body FIFA have saluted FC Platinum for their remarkable achievement in transforming themselves into champions with the sport’s global boss Gianni Infantino yesterday sending his message to ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa.
Norman Mapeza’s men ended a 50-year wait for a team from outside Harare and Bulawayo, to win the Premiership crown, as they shook off the challenges of Dynamos, Ngezi Platinum and Chicken Inn in a riveting title race that was only decided on the final day of the programme.
That achievement has also attracted the attention of FIFA with Infantino yesterday writing to Chiyangwa to convey his congratulations to the Zvishavane outfit.
The FIFA president noted that FC Platinum, who in the last six seasons have been a key player in the championship title race, had won the ultimate prize as a result of determination.
“FC Platinum are the 2017 champions of Zimbabwe. It gives me great pleasure to send my warmest congratulations to FC Platinum for their first-ever championship title,’’ Infantino wrote.
“This title is the result of the determination of everyone involved and my congratulations go t0 the players, the coach, the administration, the entire technical and medical staff as the fans for this great achievement.
“On behalf of the entire football community, I would like to thank FC Platinum and your association for helping to spread the positive message of football.
“I remain at your disposal and look forward to meeting you soon.’’
The passionate Zvishavane community has been basking in the glory of FC Platinum’s success and Mapeza and his men could yet complete a double tomorrow when they clash against Chibuku Super Cup winners Harare City in a Castle Challenge Cup final at Mandava.
FC Platinum have also already set their sights on the Champions League with the miners looking to make an impact in continental club football’s biggest knock-out tournament.
The message from Infantino could also yet inspire FC Platinum to try and achieve more successes in the game.
It also came as Chiyangwa also made his way to Zurich, Switzerland, for “some update meetings with officials at the world body.
“I will also update them on the situation in Zimbabwe, how stable it is and that it is good for business,’’ Chiyangwa said.
The ZIFA boss is also expected to proceed to Cairo, Egypt, for a meeting with CAF President Ahmad and Nigeria’s Amaju Pinnick who heads the continental body’s organising committee for the African Cup of Nations.
Ahmad indicated that the meeting would be a debrief on the resolutions that were taken by CAF during their executive meeting in Morocco.
“Please note that in your capacity as vice-president of the African Cup of Nations organising committee, you are expected in Cairo for a debrief with me and the president of that committee Mr Amaju Pinnick, following decisions taken by the executive committee during its last meeting in Morocco on the 16th of November 2017.
“I know you are already expected to attend the CECAFA Cup and The COSAFA Under-20 tournament. I am also aware you are contemplating having an operation following the thyroid effects.
“Please advise of the timing and period this may take as your programme will be guided by the outcome of that,’’ Ahmad wrote.
Chiyangwa also confirmed that he is set to undergo surgery soon after his CAF visit following a diagnosis of Graves disease by his doctors.
“After the date with the CAF president Ahmad and running a few errands as delegated by CAF I will finally go for an operation which follows the diagnosis of Graves disease by Drs Gede and Wade,’’ Chiyangwa said. Graves disease is defined as: “An immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). Although a number of disorders may result in hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is a common cause.
“Because thyroid hormones affect a number of different body systems, signs and symptoms associated with Graves’ disease can be wide-ranging and significantly influence your overall well-being. Although Graves’ disease may affect anyone, it’s more common among women and before the age of 40.
“The primary treatment goals are to inhibit the overproduction of thyroid hormones and lessen the severity of symptoms’’.
It is, however, not yet immediately clear whether Chiyangwa will proceed to officiate at the last of COSAFA’s four tournaments, the Under-20 Championship scheduled for Zambia from December 6-16.
COSAFA have far successfully staged the Castle Cup for the senior men in South Africa, the Under-17 in Mauritius and the Women’s championship hosted by Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.