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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO Chiefs will be without reliable central defender Ben Nyahunzwi when they face wounded Castle Lager Premier Soccer League defending champions FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium this afternoon.
It is a match that promises to be a thriller as FC Platinum whose 23-league match unbeaten run came to a halt last Sunday when they lost 2-1 away to Highlanders, will be aiming at bouncing back to winning ways to keep up with the leading pack.
The defeat to Highlanders left FC Platinum fifth on the log, a point behind leaders Dynamos.
Bulawayo Chiefs are on position 13 with two points and as such are searching for their first win of the season.
It will not be an easy encounter for Bulawayo Chiefs who lost the season’s opener — Castle Challenge Cup — 2-0 to FC Platinum last month.
Bulawayo Chiefs coach Lizwe Sweswe declared his charges ready for the duel, adding that it will be a “coach versus coach” affair as he faces his former boss.
Sweswe led FC Platinum to their third Castle Lager Premier Soccer League championship in 2019.
“I know the challenge that lies ahead. We respect FC Platinum, they’re the champions, they’ve been together for years and with the team (Bulawayo Chiefs squad) that we have now, they’re ready for the game.
“I’m not reading much about their defeat to Highlanders. We can’t count on that. Analysing the game you could tell the important moments when they have the ball, when they don’t have the ball, their entry into the box, they’re a complete team. However, we’ve to prepare and try to get a good result at Mandava.
“I might have been there but what’s important is that the arsenal we have in my team understands football in terms of strategies and game plan. The match against FC Platinum is a great game, probably coach versus coach,” said Sweswe.
Utility player William Stima is likely to partner captain Malvin Mkolo at central defence with Felix Moyo playing on the right side of the rearguard now that Nyahunzwi is out.
Veteran midfielder Danny Phiri is expected to maintain the team’s shape and provide cover for the defence, giving Mthokozisi Msebe, Nkosi Ncube and Billy Veremu freedom to initiate moves from the centre of the park while Obriel Chirinda and either Farau Matare or Nixon Gama lead the attack.
The platinum miner will bank on midfield duo of Juan Mutudza and Brian Banda to break as well as initiate moves from the midfield.
Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, scorer of the consolation goal against Highlanders, striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, skipper Gift Mbweti, new signings winger Jarrison Selemani and defender.
Misheck Ngwenya, Panashe Mutimbanyoka as well as central defender Lawrence Mhlanga are some of the players expected to carry the day for FC Platinum.
Meanwhile, Hwange will play host to Sheasham at Luveve Stadium tomorrow. Chipangano have recovered from the opening day loss to Dynamos to record wins against Yadah and Green Fuel. – @ZililoR
Online Reporter