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Eddie Chikamhi, Senior Sports Reporter
THE battle for the control of the Castle Lager Premiership will be rekindled this afternoon as former champions FC Platinum go out hunting for maximum points in Kariba, while log leaders Simba Bhora will be enjoying home comforts against tricky customers Bikita Minerals at their Shamva fortress.
Tonderai Ndiraya’s Simba Bhora will be looking to extend their lead at the top where they are enjoying a two-point advantage over the platinum miners going into the title homestretch.
There is more to play for as the stage is shaping up for a gruelling contest in the last 10 games, which predictively looks to transform into a two-horse race between the highly ambitious Shamva side and the four-time champions.
Simba Bhora reclaimed the reins following a laboured 1-0 victory over Bulawayo Chiefs last week at Wadzanai, where they are unbeaten this year, while FC Platinum were stunned by the same margin in Mutare by new boys Bikita Minerals.
But the platinum miners coach Norman Mapeza is not one to give up easily.
Ahead of another road trip, this time to the resort town of Kariba, he told journalists during the weekly pre-match press conference that his side had invested more work in preparation for another tricky away assignment.
“We have been working so hard trying to rectify the problems we identified in the game against Bikita Minerals. If you look at that game, we had so many scoring opportunities.
“In fact, our statistics week in and week out show that in all the games that we have played, we have been creating scoring opportunities, but I think it’s the decision making in the final third which is letting us down.
“What we need to do is go out there and make sure we manage those crucial moments of the game,” said Mapeza.
FC Platinum have been inconsistent of late, with two wins and three defeats in the last five games. But they have demonstrated capacity to bounce back from adversity.
And, they will have to do without star winger Davison Marowa who is out for the third week running with a pulled muscle injury.
However, Mapeza still has all the other players in his squad up and running and should be able to pick a strong side for the assignment.
Simba Bhora leads the tables on 47 points, while FC Platinum are on 45. The next team in the line on the log standings is Highlanders who host Herentals at Barbourfields tomorrow.
The Bulawayo giants are seven points adrift of FC Platinum and will be keen to play catch up. Along with holders Ngezi Platinum Stars, who are also on 38 points, they still count their chances in the title race. Ngezi Platinum will be away to Yadah at Heart Stadium this afternoon.
But farther down the table giants CAPS United cannot see themselves getting involved in the title matrix. They play GreenFuel away this afternoon, on the back of a fine run that saw them winning three consecutive games to land on 33 points.
Sitting in seventh position, Makepekepe have practically ruled themselves out of the title race. But assistant coach Tonderai Marume believes a strong finish is possible.
“Sometimes we need to be realistic. Look at the gap between us and the top teams. The difference is 12 to 14 points. So, if we are to catch up with the team at the top it means they will have to lose at least five games, and we win five games.
“Of which, if you want to be realistic, it’s difficult. As CAPS United, we need to set realistic objectives, which is to make sure we finish in a respectable position.
“We can do that by making sure that we win every game that we play. Of course, in chasing we have to put the teams on top of us under pressure by continuing to win games,” said Marume.
Veteran midfielder Rodwell Chinyengetere will not be available for the match due to yellow cards suspension.
Fixtures
Today: Bulawayo Chiefs v TelOne (Luveve), Yadah v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Heart Stadium), GreenFuel v CAPS Utd (GreenFuel Arena), ZPC Kariba v FC Platinum (Nyamhunga), Simba Bhora v Bikita Minerals (Wadzanai)
Tomorrow: Dynamos v Chegutu Pirates (Rufaro), Hwange v Chicken Inn (Colliery), Highlanders v Herentals (Barbourfields), Manica Diamonds v Arenel Movers (Sakubva)
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