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Eddie Chikamhi
Senior Sports Reporter
THE clash between unbeaten giants Highlanders and defending champions FC Platinum at Mandava this afternoon will bring into direct combat coaches that are generally regarded as the two best football brains in the country.
Fans can only expect an explosive encounter when Baltemar Brito’s Bosso, who are unbeaten in 19 games this season, travel to Mandava. The Bulawayo giants are enjoying a brilliant spell under the Portuguese gaffer. But, can the platinum miners rise to the stage and breach Bosso’s proud run?
The Zvishavane team has a better head-to-head record, having beaten Bosso eight times since their first meeting in 2011, with half the victories coming at Mandava.
However, Norman Mapeza’s FC Platinum have this season struggled to replicate the form that saw them dominating the league in the last four completed seasons.
They come into the encounter winless in their last six outings but skipper Petros Mhari believes they have a solid plan for Bosso.
“Everyone is geared up for the match,” said Mhari.
“The preparations have gone on well; everyone trained without incidents.
“We are expecting a tough match but we are ready as a team. To the fans, I say we appreciate the effort that they put in in every match. They always come out in their numbers to support us.
“They should keep up the good work. No matter what, we need their support. I think their influence will be critical for the match against Highlanders.
“If they can support the team from the first whistle up to the end, I think we will be able to overcome Highlanders,” said Mhari.
There is so much at stake for both teams as the platinum miners seek to get their campaign back on track after an uncharacteristic inconsistent run in the first 19 games of the season.
FC Platinum find themselves seventh with 27 points, 14 adrift of leaders Highlanders.
Unlike the platinum miners who must have shocked even themselves by losing successive games at home to teams like Yadah, Simba Bhora and Sheasham this season, Bosso have always found ways of winning games even when they experience a bad day.
Hence they are still unbeaten in 19 outings and look poised to end an 18-year wait for the league title.
Bosso coach Brito told journalists that they are looking to maintain their shape while they remain unsure of what to expect from the hosts, who miss midfielder Rainsome Pavari due to suspension.
“When you are winning, you don’t change too much to maintain the stability of the team. But when results are not coming, normally you change looking forward to the stability of the team and the 11 that can win points.
“So in these last games we saw that the coach of FC Platinum has changed some players and now they have a red card in the last game for one of their influential players, so we know that the starting eleven will not be the same.
“We don’t know which players he will put because they have been losing and they are looking to bring stability.
“As for us, we are not changing too much, of course because we are doing well. So let’s see what will happen,” said Brito.
Bosso edged FC Platinum2-1 in a pulsating encounter in the first leg at Barbourfields. Defender Peter Muduhwa has warned his colleagues to approach the match with the caution it deserves.
“Highlanders versus FC Platinum is always a very big game no matter who is on top of their game. So we need to go out there with a positive mentality, looking to win, obviously,” said Muduhwa.
Fixtures
Today:
Greenfuel v Hwange (Gibbo)
FC Platinum v Highlanders (Mandava)
Ngezi Platinum v Triangle (Baobab)
Chicken Inn v Cranborne Bullets (Luveve)
ZPC Kariba v CAPS United (Nyamhunga)
Black Rhinos v Bulawayo Chiefs (Bata)
Tomorrow:
Manica Diamonds v Herentals (Gibbo)
Yadah v Sheasham (Baobab)
Dynamos v Simba Bhora (B/F)
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