FC PLATINUM have received $250,000 from diversified commercial bank FBC Holdings as part of a kit sponsorship deal – a welcome boost ahead of the Zvishavane derby on Saturday.

A newspaper report claimed last Friday that FC Platinum’s sponsors Mimosa Platinum were ready to sell the club at the end of the season if they fail to finish in the top four and also win the Mbada Diamonds Cup.

But FBC Holdings, who are the club’s kit sponsors, have released a quarter of a million dollars which could ultimately save the club.

Tendai Chikuni’s men will be under pressure to justify Mimosa and FBC Holdings’ continued support when they play neighbours Shabanie Mine at Mandava for a place in the semi-finals of the Mbada Diamonds Cup.

FBC group marketing manager Priscilla Sadomba said: “We believe in the club. It is one of the youngest teams in Zimbabwe that has shown a lot of mettle against seasoned clubs.

“As FBC we are part of that journey and we hope that FC Platinum will be a force to reckon with in the domestic and international scene.”

Platinum, who display ‘FBC MasterCard’ on their kit, are seventh in the Premier League – six points shy of fourth spot with five matches before the season ends.

With the league title now out of question, the Mbada Diamonds Cup – which promises winners $100,000 and runners-up $75,000 – is now the club’s main target.

Coach Tendai Chikuni said: “Shabanie are no push-overs. They put a lot of emphasis on teamwork, they have good fighting spirit and I feel we have to accord them the respect.