FC Platinum bullish

the script.
The expensively assembled side host Dynamos in a Castle Lager Premiership game at Mandava on Saturday in what would be a third meeting between the two teams in the league.
In their first clash at Rufaro, Dynamos won 2-0 with Desmond Maringwa and Martin Vengesayi scoring the goals.
The late Benjamin Moyo was in charge of FC Platinum then and Dynamos again prevailed 1-0 in a Mbada Diamonds Cup semi-final at Barbourfields with Cuthbert Malajila scoring the lone goal.
Rahman Gumbo had taken over and he again lost a highly explosive league fixture at Mandava which, ultimately handed Dynamos the league championship.
The two teams were running neck-to-neck with FC Platinum having the slight edge of three points but Daniel Veremu scored an own goal in the penultimate league game to hand Dynamos a victory that brought them level on points.
But on Saturday, Chikuni, believes it’s time for FC Platinum to break the jinx.
“We are not looking at the history now. Yes, we have never won in the past but this is a new season and a new game.
“We are focused on a positive result.
“It has never been easy when we are playing against Dynamos and this is one of those game.
“Dynamos are a big team but we are prepared for them.
“We are at home while they could be spurred by their crowd but we expect a positive result,” said Chikuni.
Chikuni, however, is worried about a spate on injuries to his team ahead of the game.
Midfielder, Joel Ngodzo is likely to miss the game because of injury.
“Joel Ngodzo has just started light training and I do not think that he is ready for this game,” said Chikuni.
Former Dynamos defender, Norman Togara, is also doubtful for the match.
Togara has been inspirational for the miners in defence as much as he has also provided goals.
“Togara is injured while I also have Tsungi Mudzamiri out for three weeks.
“Our defender from Zambia, Frank Mlambo, is also injured,” said Chikuni.
Mlambo has played two matches while Chikuni is also fretting over the fitness of Donald Ngoma.
“We have several players who are injured but this also a chance for the other players in the squad to prove themselves.
“Anyone selected to play in the game has to shine,” said Chikuni.
Dynamos will be missing Tawanda Muparati and Rodrick Mutuma who are sitting on three yellow cards after the PSL ruled yesterday that the duo had to miss the big tie.
The two players are serving suspensions for round 15 because their side has a backlog while the rest of the players in the list released by the PSL are serving suspensions for round 16.
Dynamos are scheduled to play FC Platinum in the reverse fixture at Rufaro during midweek.
Meanwhile, Saul Chaminuka the Buffaloes coach has challenged his troops to maintain the rhythm in the second half.
The PSL returnees have even surprised themselves by achieving a top three finish after the first round of the Castle Lager Premiership and will host Hardbody at Sakubva on Sunday.
Buffaloes made a comeback into the top league after a 10-year hiatus and were boosted by a US$100 000 sponsorship from Mbada Diamonds.
“I do not think that we are truly out of the relegation zone as of the current log standings.
“If we just lose two matches and the other teams win, then we drop into mid-table and more defeats could see us in the zone.
“I think our seemingly good performance came because our players had this fear of the so-called chop,” said Chaminuka.
A former Masvingo United and Triangle coach, Chaminuka challenged his players to maintain their rhythm.
“My prayers are that the guys should be able to maintain their rhythm,” said Chaminuka.
Buffaloes have a crop of average players who have been playing as a unit.
“The first half has been memorable and it’s good that we posted some positive results.
“In the game against Bosso, we played well but in the first half, my boys appeared to give the opponents too much respect,” said Chaminuka.

Fixtures
Saturday:
FC Platinum v Dynamos (Mandava), Chicken Inn v Harare City (Luveve), Monoz, Motor Action (Rufaro), Black Mambas v Blue Rangers (Morris Depot)

Sunday:
Buffaloes v Hardbody (Sakubva), Highlanders v Quelaton (BF), Shabanie v Gunners (Maglas), Hwange v CAPS United (Colliery)