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Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza has given high praise to CAPS United gaffer Lloyd Chitembwe, who he believes has managed to stabilise the team during a tumultuous season.
The two coaches, who are also childhood friends, clash tomorrow at the National Sports Stadium in a Castle Lager Premiership football match where Pure Platinum Boys would be crowned champions for the fourth time in a row if they manage to get just one point from the clash.
FC Platinum are set to join giants Dynamos and Highlanders as the only teams to win the domestic league title four times in a row.
But addressing a press briefing ahead of the crucial league match, Mapeza chose to salute his rival coach, who has experienced one of his worst seasons at the Green Machine.
Mapeza, who grew up together with Chitembwe in the dusty streets of the dormitory town Chitungwiza, described his former teammate as a passionate individual.
“Lloyd has done well, we have been hearing stories about what’s been happening at CAPS but I think Lloyd has managed to keep everybody calm, managed to psyche up the players because it’s not easy, week in and week out, people are complaining about not getting paid and things like that,” said Mapeza.
“I feel sorry for him at the end of the day, but he is someone I grew up with, I know he is someone who is very passionate about football, he is someone who wants to succeed in whatever he does in terms of football, so I salute him because he has had difficult times at CAPS United, especially this season but he has managed to push the boys, pushes the lads to be where they are today. I salute him for that, it is not easy, and I think Lloyd has done very well,” said Mapeza.
The former Warriors coach says the Green Machine remains a competitive side. Makepekepe have collected maximum points in their last two games and would be confident ahead of the encounter.
“We are playing a quality side, with lots of experienced players. People have been talking about CAPS United having these guys who are above the age of 30 but somehow I think in football we need such players in a squad because they will be there to guide the youngsters, they will be there to lead them all the way,” he said.
Turning to his troops Mapeza said they would be seeking to bounce back after the defeat against Herentals in the semi-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup.
He says his players have done reasonably well this season losing thrice in the league and reaching the last four of the prestigious Cup.
“Our preparations are still going on. We have our last day of training tomorrow (today) but so far so good. I can’t complain, the guys have been pushing and everybody knows our situation at the moment. I think we are just a few games away to finish off the season.
“So what is important now is for us to go out there with the same mentality, after losing to Herentals in the Chibuku Super Cup, I have spoken to the boys I think they really pushed.
“If you look at where we are coming from since the beginning of the season, I think the boys are more than happy with what the guys have done up until today.
“They have been working, they have been very disciplined, very committed, and they have been showing a lot of zeal week in and week out so kudos to the boys. They have been working so hard,” said Mapeza.
FC Platinum, who have had a spirited campaign especially in the second half of the season and have opened an 11-point gap at the top, with just four games remaining in the season.
However, the three-time domestic premiership football kings are facing uncertainties in their quest for a fourth consecutive league title.
Herentals raised the dust when they claimed the platinum miners used their player Juan Mutudza illegally after he moved from Dynamos where he was on loan.
The issue is set to be decided by the ZIFA Players Status Committee.
Fixtures
Today: Yadah v Cranborne Bullets (NSS), Bulawayo City v Dynamos (Barbourfields), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Black Rhinos (Baobab), Whawha v ZPCX Kariba (Ascot)
Sunday: Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs (Barbourfields), Manica Diamonds v Harare City (Sakubva), Triangle v Tenax (Gibbo), CAPS Utd v FC Platinum (NSS)
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