FC Platinum host Chapungu

Paul Mundandi in ZVISHAVANE
NORMAN Mapeza says his men are focussed on collecting maximum points in the Midlands Derby at Mandava tomorrow. FC Platinum host Chapungu in a tricky encounter. The platinum miners have been thrust as one of the favourites for the league title this season after a strong campaign last year. Club president George Mawere has demanded that the club shed off their bridesmaids’ tag and become the first team, in 50 years, outside Harare and Bulawayo to win the league championship.

Mapeza says his men are ready for the challenge but they need to take it one game at a time. “It’s too early to talk about the championship but we can push as far as we can in terms of what we want to achieve at the end of the season,” said Mapeza.

“We need to collect as many points as possible in the first half of the season despite the fact that the first games of the season are very tricky.  “We are in a new season and I will not dwell into history and we need to play and get a positive result and everybody will be fired up

“Chapungu are a very good side. I watched them play against CAPS United in Harare and they managed to win against Hwange.

“We need to continue working hard and collect as many points as possible in this first half of the season.”

Mapeza also believes his men have to entertain their fans.

The former Warriors coach has a strong squad and his second string side can match most of the teams in the Premiership. That team beat a strong Dynamos in the Independence Cup third place play-off at White City 2-0.