adminEddie Chikamhi : Sports Reporter
FC PLATINUM coach Norman Mapeza believes his championship-chasing side will face a brutal mental and physical examination when they plunge into their Castle Lager Premiership top-of-the-table showdown against CAPS United at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon. The Zvishavane miners, who are two points clear at the top of the table, are seeking to consolidate their place in the race, at least, by avoiding defeat.They have been enjoying a good run this season but dropped crucial points at home in their last match against Hwange which ended 1-1.
A win today could see them going five points clear at the top.
“Physically, and technically, I think we are good. It’s about mental strength. Of course, we could be the top team at the moment but we are not putting ourselves under undue pressure to try and please anyone,” said Mapeza.
“We just have to focus on playing our game and on getting positive results, like we always do with every match.
“Remember we are playing a very good side, I think one of the best teams in the country, and we can only expect a difficult match.
“But to us this is like any other game. We travelled last week, played at home during the midweek and dropped some crucial points and this is another game, a different game altogether.
“And, like I said before, games in the second half of the season are always difficult. The most important thing, however, is to focus on results.”
History, however, stands against them.
FC Platinum have only beaten CAPS United once in 2014 out of 11 league meetings since they were promoted into the top-flight league six years ago.
The teams have featured in six draws with Makepekepe victorious on four occasions.
The platinum miners are battling injuries in their camp which have ruled out former Young Warriors forward Walter Musona and Ishmael Wadi.
The good news for Mapeza is that the core of the team remains intact with much expected from the likes of Rodwell Chinyengetere, Nqobizitha Masuku, Marshall Mudehwe, new signing Makai Kawashu and Charles Sibanda who returned to Zvishavane during the mid-season transfer window.
The rearguard, which is usually marshaled by Gift Bello, Kelvin Moyo, Ian Nekati and goalkeeper Petros Mhari has so far done well after conceding the least number of goals in the race.
But they should not expect an easy match as hosts CAPS United appear they need the points more given that a victory will see them taking over the leadership.
Makepekepe won their last two games against Highlanders and Tsholotsho by identical 1-0 scorelines.
Coach Lloyd Chitembwe yesterday said his team was ready for the big clash.
“There is nothing new about such a game. For us all fixtures are very important and this one is no exception,” said Chitembwe.
“The whole idea is to try and get a positive result. Obviously, we expect a difficult match against the log leaders but we hope to cancel that out by working hard.”
The Green Machine have been creating chances but their finishing has been weak.
One of their key strikers Dominic Chungwa may not be at his best but he scored the goals which earned them maximum points in the last two games against Highlanders and Tsholotsho.
The Green Machine have a clean bill of health with the recovery of Tafadzwa Rusike, who played a blinder in the match against Bosso, and Ronald Pfumbidzai.
They also welcome back veteran forward Leonard Tsipa and defender Justice Jangano from suspensions.
Tsipa is the club’s top scorer with five goals to his name but he missed the last two matches because of the red card he picked at Highlanders three weeks ago.
“It’s good to have Leonard back in the team.
That guy enjoys playing football and for him to be on the sidelines is something that he doesn’t fancy.
“So it’s good for the team and for him as a player,” said Chitembwe.
Online Reporter