By Tapiwa Chawagarira
ZVISHAVANE — FC Platinum have moved swiftly to strengthen their technical department, appointing former Zimbabwe international Onismor Bhasera as assistant coach following the departure of South African football legend Reneilwe “Yeye” Letsholonyane.
The Zvishavane-based Premier Soccer League giants confirmed Bhasera’s appointment, with the former Warriors left-back joining head coach Thabo Senong’s technical team with immediate effect.
Bhasera takes over the role after Letsholonyane left the club to pursue a head-coaching opportunity in Botswana, bringing to an end his relatively brief spell working alongside Senong at Pure Platinum Play.
The appointment gives Senong an assistant with considerable experience of top-level football in Zimbabwe, South Africa and England.
Bhasera enjoyed a distinguished playing career, representing clubs including Maritzburg United, Kaizer Chiefs, Plymouth Argyle, Bidvest Wits and SuperSport United. He also earned senior international caps for Zimbabwe.
His transition into coaching began towards the latter stages of his playing career, with SuperSport United supporting his development by helping him pursue coaching qualifications.
He later served as an assistant coach at Siwelele FC before leaving the South African club at the end of the 2025/26 season following the expiry of his contract.
Bhasera therefore returns to Zimbabwe with valuable experience from both sides of the Limpopo, having spent much of his professional career competing in the South African top flight.
FC Platinum general manager Collen Nikisi said the club believed Bhasera’s experience and leadership would strengthen the technical department.
“His experience, leadership, and understanding of the game will add valuable depth to our technical team as we continue to strengthen the club and build for the future,” said Nikisi.
Bhasera will work alongside Senong as FC Platinum seek to build momentum under their new coach.
Senong arrived at Mandava at the end of July following the club’s decision to part ways with Joel Luphahla and his technical team.
The South African tactician has since overseen an improvement in results. As of Thursday, FC Platinum had gone unbeaten in his first three league matches, recording victories over Agama and ZPC Kariba while holding reigning champions Scottland to a goalless draw.
They also progressed to the quarter-finals of the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup after defeating Blackrock 2-0.
Bhasera’s arrival adds another layer of experience to a technical set-up that is showing signs of stability after a difficult first half of the season.
FC Platinum, four-time PSL champions, endured a difficult campaign under Luphahla before making the coaching change in July. The club subsequently turned to Senong as part of efforts to revive its fortunes and rebuild its competitiveness.
Nikisi said the club was delighted to welcome Bhasera and expressed confidence that his experience would contribute to its ambitions.
The platinum miners also paid tribute to Letsholonyane for his contribution, professionalism and commitment during his time at the club, wishing him success in his new coaching assignment in Botswana.
Bhasera’s appointment marks another significant change to the FC Platinum technical department and sets the stage for a new partnership with Senong as the Zvishavane giants pursue a strong finish to the 2026 campaign.
For Bhasera, the move represents another step in his transition from an accomplished playing career into coaching. For FC Platinum, it brings one of Zimbabwe’s most experienced former international defenders into the technical set-up as the club looks to shape the next phase of its development.
