Zimbabwe: Why Luphahla didn’t want Platinum Derby for season opener

FC Platinum coach Joel Luphahla has explained why he would have preferred to face rivals Ngezi Platinum Stars FC at another stage of the 2026-2027 Castle Premier Soccer League (PSL) season in Zimbabwe instead of Saturday.

The former Warriors winger said this ahead of his club’s opening game of the Castle Lager PSL campaign with the rivals in what is called Platinum Derby at Baobab Stadium.

Derby day at home 🤺⚒️#distinctlyplatinum | #madamburo pic.twitter.com/u5rAJgal1V

— Ngezi Platinum Stars Football Club (@ngeziplatinumfc) March 7, 2026

“It is a difficult tie,” Luphahla told his team’s media. “We would not have wanted to start with a derby, but fixtures are here and they have to be played.”

“I know it will be a difficult afternoon playing away. We are saying we don’t want to lose games here because this is our home and our fortress. I am sure this is the same thing that is being said by Ngezi. We are faced with a mammoth task, but the preparations have gone on well. The energy and enthusiasm are very pleasing.”

Why Platinum cannot afford to underrate Ngezi Platinum

Luphahla has since urged his players against approaching Ngezi Platinum with a complacent attitude.

“People say Ngezi have lost a lot of players but the bulk, the most of their players are still there. They still have a good team and one of the best coaches I respect. We are going there to try to get three points. It won’t be easy,” the coach added.

“We need to be winning away. The first game is difficult because in terms of match fitness and match preparedness, we are not sure we are yet there, but it is all the teams preparing for games.”

“A new season begins where it matters most — at home.
The derby sets the tone, the battle sets the standard.
Madamburo rise together. Let’s start the journey the only way we know how — strong. 💪⚽#distinctlyplatinum | #madamburo pic.twitter.com/22dWu9oEjo

— Ngezi Platinum Stars Football Club (@ngeziplatinumfc) March 5, 2026

In the opposite camp, Ngezi Platinum FC coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva painted a positive outlook ahead of the derby.

“We are expectant of a good match. The mood is quite impressive and that on its own is a plus. It gathers their [players] confidence and gathers momentum going into the game. We are all confident. We have been waiting for the season to start. It is the first game of the season, so we expect a good start,” he said.

Why FC Platinum are rivals with Ngezi Platinum

FC Platinum are based Midlands while Ngezi Platinum are from Mashonaland West Province, but they are sponsored by rival mining companies hence their rivalry.

The two teams burst onto the Zimbabwe football scene with a bang owing to sound sponsorship sparking what became known as Platinum derby.

However, over the years the derby has lost its shine following the emergence of other football superpowers such as Scottland FC and Simba Bhora in the Zimbabwe domestic league.

Castle Lager PSL fixtures

All games kick-off at 3pm Southern African Time

Saturday, March 7 2026

Herentals College FC v Chicken Inn FC at Rufaro Stadium

Ngezi Platinum v FC Platinum at Baobab Stadium

Triangle FC v ZPC Kariba FC at Gibbo Stadium

TeleOne FC v FC Dynamos at ASCOT Stadium

Sunday March 8, 2026

CAPS United v Agama FC at Rufaro Stadium

Manica Diamond v Simba Bhora at Gibbo Stadium

Scottland v HardRock FC at Chawhanda Stadium

The Platinum Derby remains one of the most anticipated fixtures in Zimbabwe football, as both FC Platinum and Ngezi Platinum Stars continue to compete for dominance in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League. Supporters from both clubs are expected to create an intense atmosphere at Baobab Stadium as the new season gets underway.