Zimbabwe: FC Platinum not thinking about winning Uhuru Cup—Mapeza

Mapeza: Photo Credit: FC Platinum Media.

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza says winning against Simba Bhora in Friday’s 2025 Presidential Uhuru Cup does not matter as the game was about celebrating Zimbabwe’s Independence Day.

Mapeza said this when he shared insights into the game between last season’s Castle Lager Premier League runners-up and champions Simba Bhora in Gokwe.

The former Warrior trainer insisted that honouring the country’s liberation heroes through the game was more important than lifting the ultimate trophy at stake for the winners.

“For us, it is important to celebrate Independence Day. It is a massive game. It is a cup final and it comes with a lot of things. However, we are not thinking much about winning the trophy. It is about celebrating Independence Day. That, on its own, covers everything," Mapeza said.

The two teams carry into the cup match contrasting forms from the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League. Simba Bhora thumped Manica Diamonds 4-1 last Saturday while Mapeza’s men came back with a point from a meeting with Shabanie FC.

FC Platinum return to league action on April 22 to face Scottland FC at Rufaro Stadium in Harare on Monday, April 2, 2025. Platinum are in 10th place in the standings while Simba Bhora sit in fourth place.