Zimbabwe’s FC Platinum parade nine new players, including ex-Marumo Gallants star

Former Zimbabwe champions FC Platinum have paraded their nine new acquisitions as they seek to bounce back strongly in the forthcoming 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL).

In a statement, the 2024 league champions confirmed the signing of Malawian defender Maxwell Paipi from Silver Strikers and former South Africa’s Marumo Gallants’ Namibian striker Tjahikika Mbakondja. They are joined by other foreigners Ghanaian Emmanuel Dogbey and Cameroonian goalkeeper Manfred Ekoi.

How FC Platinum welcomed Malawian Maxwell Paipi

FC Platinum highlighted the qualities of Paipi. He has joined his national teammate Nickson Nyasulu at the Zimbabwean side.

“We are proud to welcome Maxwell Paipi, a strong and committed defender, to the family. Your discipline, resilience, and defensive leadership add real steel to our backline. This is a new chapter—new colours, new challenges, and new victories to chase together. Paipi worn the Captain’s armband at Silver Strikers and the Malawi national team captained the Malawi Senior National tea,” reads the statement.

Commenting on the Namibian Mbakondja, FC Platinum said: “We are excited to see your hunger for goals and your fighting spirit lead our attack. May this be the start of something special,” reads the statement.

Mbakondja was the Namibian Premier League’s top scorer with 15 goals in the 2024-2024 season during which time he provided seven assists while on the books of African Stars FC. He won the Debmarine NPFL title and MTac Maris Cup before signing for Marumo Gallants.

The Harare-based team has also taken on board local midfielders Mckinnon Mushore, Garikai Dematsika, David Mangezi, Tadiwa Muchenje and defender Takunda Vareta.

Last month, the former Zimbabwe champions axed six players in a clear out: Wallace Magalane, Davison Marowa, Bothwell Nzori, Flex Moyo, Ronald Mate and Vincent Nyangulu. Joel Luphahla is now in charge of the Miners, replacing Norman Mapeza who joined champions Scottland FC.

Platinum struggled in the just-ended season, finishing in sixth place a distant 11 points behind champions Scotlland FC.