FC Platinum roll in for date with CAPS United

Chunga and his troubled CAPS United kingdom in a Castle Lager Premiership tie at the National Sports Stadium on Saturday.
The expensively-assembled Zvishavane outfit have enjoyed a dream start in the early days of the season and they are currently sitting in third place on the table with a game in hand.
Despite making a good start in their debut Premiership campaign, FC Platinum have refused to be fooled by their early successes after humbling fellow debutantes Blue Ribbon 1-0 at Maglas for their fifth win in six games on Saturday.
They had boosted their morale with a 3-0 win over Shabanie Mine in the first Zvishavane derby last Wednesday.
This will be their third visit to the capital after playing Dynamos and Black Mambas and experiencing mixed fortunes.
They lost 2-0 to DeMbare but returned stronger to beat Mambas 3-0 at Morris Depot two weeks ago.
Club secretary Philemon Muwengwa yesterday said FC Platinum, a lavish composition of some of last season’s best performing players, will approach the game against CAPS United from a fresh perspective.
“We are new in the league and we are learning. We have always looked at each and every match the same way and the game against CAPS United cannot be any different because they are just like any other team in the league. Maybe the good thing for us is that we are playing away and the pressure will be less on our players,” said Muwengwa.
FC Platinum have won five games in six outings and could climb top of the table if they manage to collect maximum points against CAPS and Gunners in their outstanding match next Wednesday.
“A game in hand cannot be relied on because the match hasn’t been played yet. This is competition and it can go either way. We have begun well and we cannot say anything about the league race at this stage. Moreso, we are just small boys who have entered a big league. We still have a lot to learn from the other teams especially on the administrative side,” said Muwengwa.
Their opponents CAPS United had a solid start early on but have been experiencing mixed fortunes in recent matches.
The Green Machine, who lost 2-0 to Motor Action at Rufaro last Saturday, will be hoping to bounce back after surrendering pole position and dropping to drop to fifth on the table.
They have 13 points from seven games and coach Moses Chunga is under pressure from a section of fans to collect points.
Chunga knows that the only way he can cool the tempers is by winning matches. A defeat against FC Platinum will plunge a dagger into his heart and, with an away trip to Bosso on the horizon, matters could really become complicated. Interestingly, while CAPS United have done reasonably well under Chunga, in terms of his success rate in the league, it is also a fact that the Green Machine are just two points better than their tally, after seven games, last season.
At this stage of the campaign, Lloyd Chitembwe’s CAPS United had 11 points, from seven matches, having won three, drawn two and lost two.
Chitembwe didn’t last longer and was gone six games later as pressure from the fans piled on the management. Chunga’s CAPS United has 13 points, from seven games, after four wins, a draw and two defeats.
But, crucially, at this stage last season, the Dynamos shadow was looming large over the CAPS United with Elvis Chiweshe and his men having won five straight games.
Defending champions Motor Action, who now lead the pack on 16 points, will embark on a journey to Bulawayo for another top-of-the table clash against Chicken Inn at Luveve this Saturday.
After dispatching CAPS United, the Mighty Bulls will now have to negotiate another tough hurdle to reinforce their position on top of the table.
Coach Joey Antipas said they were looking forward to the match.
“It’s yet another top-of-the-table match for the third week. We played Blue Ribbon, CAPS and now Chicken Inn. We cannot run away from the challenges. We have to face them and we should be on guard because Chicken Inn have been playing very well. We have all our players back in training and we look forward to another good game,” said Antipas.
The Mighty Bulls have already beaten both Dynamos and CAPS United, with impressive 2-0 scorelines in both matches, and that explains why they have become hot property to defend their crown.
Motor Action, with a solid defence marshalled by veteran goalkeeper Marlon jani, have only conceded one goal in seven matches.
Harare giants Dynamos will also be in Bulawayo at the weekend as they face Zimbabwe Saints in a tricky tie at Barbourfields on Sunday.
Saturday
Gunners v Monomotapa (Lafarge), Chicken Inn v Motor Action (Luveve), Black Mambas v Hwange (Morris Depot), CAPS United v FC Platinum (NSS), Shooting Stars v Kiglon (Gwanzura)
Sunday
Shabanie Mine v Masvingo (Maglas), Zimbabwe Saints v Dynamos (Barbourfields), Blue Ribbon v Highlanders (Gwanzura)
Wednesday, May 18
FC Platinum v Gunners (Maglas).