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Eddie Chikamhi and Tadious Manyepo
FC PLATINUM coach Norman Mapeza yesterday said the defending champions are looking to get an important victory over old foes CAPS United at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow as a way of trying to comfort the Zvishavane side that was plunged into mourning following the sudden death of their netball team player.
The platinum miners were left in huge shock after hearing the sad news that Platinum Queens player Sibekezelo Ncube had died on Thursday.
Mapeza said the news traumatized the whole FC Platinum family, including his team ahead of the top of the table clash with the Green Machine.
“I think it hasn’t been easy for us yesterday (Thursday) when we hear the news that one of our sisters from the Platinum Queens had passed away. We heard the sad news just after the afternoon training session,” said Mapeza during a pre-match press briefing yesterday.
“We are still trying to cope with the situation. Everybody is a little bit down because she is someone we all really knew and loved. She was a very good human being and as of now we are all still in shock. Our prayers are with the Ncube family.”
FC Platinum, however, have dominated their meetings with CAPS United. They are yet to lose a game to the Harare giants since August 2017, which makes it a six-year dominance.
But Mapeza is wary of Makepekepe who have taken control of the race early in the season after climbing top of the table with 10 points last week with the 2-0 win over Black Rhinos.
FC Platinum are second on nine points, following their 2-1 win over Bulawayo Chiefs at Mandava.
“Coming to this game, everything has been going on going on well. We knew the challenge that we are going to face. CAPS United have been playing some brilliant football. They are very organised in all departments. They haven’t been conceding and just because of that it shows just how organised they are this season.
“So it’s not going to be easy for us but at the end of the day it’s all about mental strength. My biggest fear; I hope the boys will not be affected by what happened yesterday (Ncube’s death). We just have to go out there and try to get a result for Ncube,” said Mapeza.
High-riding CAPS United will open a four-point gap at the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table with a victory over champions FC Platinum when the two teams clash at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow.
But they will have to be witty against their closest pursuers if they are to bag the maximum points.
The Green Machine lead the standings with 10 points to their name, just one above the Zvishavane miners after four match days.
With giants Dynamos and Highlanders who are both two points adrift of Makepekepe not in league action this weekend, the Lloyd Chitembwe charges will stretch their lead at the summit to four if they win tomorrow.
DeMbare and Bosso were supposed to square off at Barbourfields this afternoon, but that tie was shelved to allow the country’s two biggest football brands enough space to participate in the 43rd edition of the Independence commemorations.
They will face-off in the final of the Uhuru Cup at Mupfure Stadium in Mt Darwin to cap the main Independence celebrations on Tuesday.
And Makepekepe could profit in the league, albeit for a limited period, if they manage to win against FC Platinum tomorrow.
Makepekepe have started the season positively after winning three games and drawing once.
But they know FC Platinum, with three wins a loss, are a different kettle of fish.
Defender Kelvin Madzongwe who spent two years with the platinum miners has since warned his teammates to bring their A-Game to stand a giod chance of seeing off the Zvishavane club.
“We have been training really well over the past week. I think it will all come down to the approach we will put into the game agaibst FC Platinum. You see, we have been getting positive results over the past four games but the one against FC Platinum will obviously be more difficult.
“It will be our biggest test so far this season. FC Platinum is not a small team; they have a solid record that we all know. They are the reigning champions and very difficult to play against,” said Madzongwe.
“They have been consistent over the past four years and we know it will be a much tougher game against them.
“But we should always challenge ourselves and improve on the performances that we have had over the past four weeks. We should try to play the game, retain possession and restrict them from getting their rhythm.
“They are a difficult team once they get into their groove. So, they shouldn’t be allowed to play.
“That they love to play, and we also want to pass the ball will make the match an exciting one.
“Fans will obviously enjoy the match between two teams who want to play the game. They should expect an entertaining match.
“On our part, I think we have done so well in the past four games because we have been playing very good football. It’s been down to teamwork and a lot of work that we put in training.
“The coach (Lloyd Chitembwe) is always hammering unto us that hard work can win you matches and we have been doing just that.
“It’s about the attitude and the motivation to go in there and perform. So it’s all been unity of purpose and hard work on the part of the team.”
It will be interesting to see how FC Platinum winger Panashe Mutimbanyoka who is widely regarded as the best player for that position in the league will fare against Makepekepe left back Innocent Zambezi who is also regarded as the best for that position in the country.
Those won’t be the only interesting showdowns to look out for tomorrow.
Reigning Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, who failed to make the cut at CAPS United some time ago will also be out to prove his mettle but Madzongwe is expected to thwart him out.
Rodwell Chinyengetere, for long a darling at FC Platinum should have a point or two to prove against the miners.
Madzongwe has been solid since joining Makepekepe with the former Bulawayo Chiefs man having played all the four games this season.
He has been partnered with either Ben Musaka or Hastings Chapusha at the heart of defence.
Crucially, the Green Machine are yet to concede a goal this season.
Madzongwe said a successful campaign should be anchored on a team’s ability to shut out opponents in the defensive third.
He said he hasn’t been difficult for him to settle at Makepekepe.
“The family tone at CAPS United is so charming. I am blown away woth the reception I got when I joined them two months ago.
“When I came in, the other guys never made me feel like I was a new guy,” he said.
“There are also players whom I have played with before like Rodwell (Chinyengetere) and Godknows (Murwira) at FC Platinum.
“I have also played with William (Manondo), Hastings Chapusha and Innocent Zambezi at Harare City although I didn’t sign at the end at the day.
“So it wasn’t a big deal settling at the club. I am very happy the team is doing well and we are fully focused on our next fixture against FC Platinum.”
Online Reporter
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