adminDeMbare and log leaders FC Platinum are set for another round of tough assignments this weekend as the platinum miners travel to Harare for a date against Moses Chunga’s inspired Gunners at Lafarge on Saturday.
FC Platinum currently top the charts with 49 points, four clear of second-placed Dynamos, who lost ground after losing 1-0 to Masvingo last Sunday.
But Murape yesterday said DeMbare have to take their chances since they are still in the race with a strong chance.
“We can’t dwell much on what happened in the last game because what’s ahead of us in the remaining games is what is more important,” said Murape.
“Instead we have to pick ourselves up and concentrate on the last five games.
“Actually, we have more to lose than Highlanders on Sunday because we have better chances in the championship race compared to them.
“But it won’t be easy because these guys have had a bad patch and would want to get some kind of satisfaction by winning.”
Murape said Dynamos, who had recently put themselves back in the picture after winning five games in succession before going down 1-0 at Masvingo, have to win their remaining games.
“We have to believe in ourselves because anything can happen in the last five games. It’s not proper to look at how other teams are doing because we have to win the championship for ourselves.
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“The focus right now is on the title and not the obstacles,” said Murape.
Dynamos will welcome back goalkeeper Washington Arubi and Cuthbert Malajila who were on national duty with the Warriors for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Cape Verde.
FC Platinum will also receive defender Daniel Veremu who was also part of the national team.
The Zvishavane side are currently flying high after extending their lead at the top of the table to four points last weekend with a 3-1 win over Black Mambas.
But the platinum miners could not have easily forgotten the 3-0 thumping they suffered at Mandava when Gunners visited for the first leg on May 18.
Club secretary Philemon Muvengwa indicated that Gunners will not be easy customers and would need to be thoroughly prepared.
Chando Kupisa have been in good form since the arrival of Moses Chunga in July.
Gunners have clearly been the best team in the second half of the season winning eight, drawing one and losing one in their last 10 games to rise from the basement to sixth on the log standings with 38 points.
CAPS United will hope to continue with their fine form when they meet Black Mambas at Morris Depot.
Makepekepe are coming from two morale boosting victories over defending champions Motor Action and Chicken Inn.
But the Green Machine will be without defender Nyasha Mukumbi who was expelled in the last game against Chicken Inn, which they won 2-0 courtesy of Evans Gwekwerere’s brace.
Coach Lloyd Chitembwe was also ejected from the bench in the match and will be looking for a fresh start on Saturday.
But Monomotapa and Hwange will start the weekend programme on Friday.
Fixtures
Friday
Monomotapa v Hwange (Rufaro)
Saturday
Blue Ribbon v Zimbabwe Saints (Rufaro), Black Mambas v Caps United (Morris Depot), Shooting Stars v Chicken Inn (Gwanzura), Gunners v FC Platinum (Larfarge)
Sunday
Kiglon v Masvingo (Gwanzura), Dynamos v Highlanders (Rufaro), Shabanie Mine v Motor Action (Maglas).
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter