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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
NGEZI PLATINUM and their rivals FC Platinum have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup but there is everything to play for when they meet at Mandava this morning.
Ngezi lead the standings with 13 points while FC Platinum are on 10 points, after five rounds of fixtures in their group, which also has Triangle and Whawha.
Ngezi coach, Rodwell Dhlakama, wants a clean sweep over Norman Mapeza.
The Warriors interim coach lost 4-5 on penalties to Chapungu, which was then under the tutelage of Dhlakama, in 2017.
Dhlakama would repeat the feat at the same venue, a year later, with Chapungu winning 2-0, to once again eliminate the Zvishavane side, from the premier knockout tournament.
And, in the reverse fixture of this year’s tourney, Dhlakama masterminded a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Mapeza, in one of the most exciting games, in this tournament.
And the two men, who have both promised to field young players, meet with Dhlakama eager to maintain his 100 percent record.
‘’There is a lot at stake, every game is a pressure game,” said Dhlakama.
“We may have qualified already and FC Platinum have also qualified but that doesn’t take any gloss from our game against them.
“If anything, both teams are going for first place, in this group.
“We won the first game against FC Platinum, after they led, for the better part of the game. I am very sure they don’t want to see that happening once again.
“But, we will also try to prevent them from taking a lead as well.’’
He said there was also his little battle against Mapeza.
“And, remember, I have my own personal record to maintain against my friend, Norman Mapeza.
“I can’t afford to relax, under any circumstances.
‘’I am going all out in attack and I am confident the boys will do well in this game.”
Dhlakama’s charges will also want to go the distance, without losing a game, after they won four of their five games, drawing once, a 2-2 stalemate, against Triangle.
Online Reporter