Mhari waves FC Platinum goodbye
THERE is no-one who can claim to have seen this coming.
And, it remains a shocking exit for FC Platinum skipper, Petros “Budro” Mhari who has caught the team’s fans off guard.
Mhari joined the miners at the age of 24 and he is now leaving at 34.
The former Hwange man has been guarding FC Platinum’s goalposts for the last decade.
He is now walking out of coach, Norman Mapeza’s dressing room as a four-time Castle Lager Premiership champion with over 300 appearances to his name.
The former Warriors first choice goalie, also won the Chibuku Super Cup during his tenure at Mandava.
Some reports are claiming that he has retired from playing football.
But, Mhari has downplayed that view claiming that it is only the end of his union with the four time champions.
He argued that a good man knows when to leave the stage.
Mhari told Zimpapers Sports that his decision was not influenced by anyone at the club.
“It’s not like I have retired from playing football, but it’s just that I feel like I have to play somewhere for two or three seasons before I throw in the towel.
“It was the most difficult thing to do and entertaining a thought of leaving a club which has changed my life was just unbearable.
“But, sometimes you have to be strong and it’s something which was not motivated by anyone at the club but it was a decision which was made by my family,” said Mhari.
He saluted everyone who is concerned about his decision.
Mhari stressed that it makes him feel important.
He, however, extended gratitude to his team’s leadership, teammates and Mapeza for making Mandava a better place during his stay.
“When I shared my next move with my teammates, they were all affected they all felt that it was not necessary.
“I respected what they felt and it was also difficult to explain the same thing to coach, Mapeza because he has been more like a father to me in my career.
“I owe him a lot and I have nothing but respect for him because he shaped my life and career,” he told Zimpapers Sports.
Mapeza afforded Mhari a chance to play at the 2021 AFCON finals in Cameron.
Mhari was a surprising pick for Mapeza getting the nod ahead of Donovan Bernard.
But, Mhari repaid Mapeza’s gamble with fine saves throughout the tournament.
Many felt that he was the country’s outstanding performer during that tournament.
Mhari did not reveal his next move. Gift Bello is also another team’s veteran who is leaving FC Platinum.
Bello announced that he was going to call it quits after this campaign.