Eddie Chikamhi

Zimpapers Sports Hub

A Golden Boot winner and a former youth AFCON champion headlined the latest recruits by former champions FC Platinum who yesterday unveiled 11 players to drive their ambition ahead of the 2026 Castle Lager Premiership season.

The Zvishavane side have ventured beyond the country’s borders, signing Namibian Mbakondja Tjahikika, Ghanaian striker Emmanuel Dogbey, Malawian defender Maxwell Paipi, and Cameroonian goalkeeper Ekoi Manfred Mekumba.

“We considered several things before settling for these players. We did not just sign for the sake of signing. We want to build a strong team capable of competing for the title,” said the new FC Platinum general manager, Collen Nikisi.

Namibian forward Tjahikika comes with an impressive résumé, having finished as the top scorer in the 2024–2025 Namibian Premier League with 15 goals and seven assists for African Stars.

He played a pivotal role in guiding his team to a domestic double, winning both the Debmarine NPFL title and the MTC Maris Cup.

The 25-year-old striker also boasts experience in South Africa with Marumo Gallants, and his arrival is expected to address FC Platinum’s biggest weakness from last season — a lack of goals, after managing just 28 strikes in 34 matches.

Joining him in attack is Ghanaian Emmanuel Dogbey, formerly on the books of Romanian top-flight side UTA Arad, bringing international pedigree and proven scoring ability.

“Of course, we believe in their abilities. Tjahikika was the top scorer in Namibia and he also played in South Africa at Marumo Gallants.

“Dogbey also played at the top level and is a proven goal scorer,” said Nikisi.

Malawian defender Paipi, who has captained the national team, is also tipped to bring stability to the platinum miners’ backline.

Nikisi also spoke glowingly about the youthful Cameroonian goalkeeper Mekumba, who was in the books of local top-flight side Bambautos FC.

Mekumba has been brought in to fill the void after the platinum miners lost two of their top goalkeepers Wallace Magalane and David Bizabani during the off-season.

“Ekoi Manfred Mekumba was rated the best goalkeeper in the Cameroon domestic league, previously spent three seasons in the Spanish third tier.

“He won the Under-17 African Cup of Nations with Cameroon in 2019 and went on to participate at the Under-17 World Cup in Brazil in 2019,” said Nikisi.

FC Platinum, who parted ways with eight players last month, have been busy hunting for new talent to replenish their arsenal as they look to embark on a new era under new coach Joel Luphahla.

Luphahla recently joined the side from Simba Bhora replacing long-serving coach Norman Mapeza.

The platinum miners yesterday announced the signing of former Highlanders midfielder Mckinnon Mushore, who reunited with Luphahla after a short loan spell at Simba Bhora.

Luphahla has wasted no time in preparation for the pre-season training, with more signings that include highly-rated midfielder Garikai Dematsika from relegated GreenFuel, much sought after former Yadah defender Takunda Vareta, ex-Sheasham midfielder David Mangezi, Trevor Bhunu from Golden Eagles and former FC Platinum Under-19 stars Tadiwa Muchenje and Takunda Manyuchi.

FC Platinum, who previously won four titles in a row between 2017 and 2022, are aiming to reclaim domestic dominance.

To strengthen the technical team, Luphahla has also brought in trusted lieutenants Warren Mapanga as goalkeepers’ coach, Dilloan Chivandire for strength and conditioning, and Ashley Ndebele as head performance analyst and set-piece specialist.

The quartet worked together at Simba Bhora last season. Nikisi said the Zvishavane side are looking forward to a competitive season.