Mangwiro to end jinx?

against revitalised FC Platinum in a game that brings together two teams whose confidence is coming back after some good results of late.
Speaking at the club’s weekly media briefing yesterday, Mangwiro revealed that the mining town has not been his favourite hunting ground but now wants to change all that.

The Green Machine appear to have struck the right chords following two consecutive wins after a lengthy dry spell where they went for three months without a victory.
The former champions may also take some comfort into the fact that they beat FC Platinum 3-1 in the reverse fixture at National Sports Stadium.

CAPS, just like Dynamos, are yet to be beaten by FC Platinum in the Premiership.
But the CAPS/Platinum matches have been close.
Last season, their duels ended in a 2-2 stalemate at the National Sports Stadium while the Mandava tie also ended in a 1-1 draw.
And Mangwiro has his personal battle against Zvishavane to fight.

“It hasn’t been one of my favourite hunting grounds but I hope this time I will get the much-needed result. I haven’t been that lucky in Zvishavane and the best result I could get was a draw,” said Mangwiro.
However, the former Young Warriors coach believes his charges can build on the Mbada Diamonds Cup 1-0 victory against Motor Action at Trojan last weekend.

“We are in high spirits and have reminded the guys they shouldn’t be carried away, we want to keep the momentum,” said Mangwiro.
“We know we are up for a difficult assignment and it won’t be any easy game considering they have been posting good results lately.
“We will try to take the game to them. They have done fairly very well since coming into the Premiership.
“At this juncture, we badly need maximum points. A draw would be fair but we want points. Everyone is now concerned about picking points, even the teams in the championship race, and FC Platinum are still fancying their chances and would want a top four finish.

“For us its survival, we would want to survive.”
The coach believes the Zvishavane side, which also has big names in their fold, has had an indifferent season just like the Harare giants.
“We will treat them as a team and not as individuals. If you look at the FC Platinum line-up, from the first player to the last, they have big names.
“And, by their standards, they have had an indifferent season just like us,” said Mangwiro.

Mangwiro says he will continue to change the team depending on the opposition he would be facing.
“We have got a team but at times you look at the opponents and it’s how you can come up with a team and ask yourself who are the people who can serve you well.
“Like now, Washy (Pakamisa), has been playing well but is injured so we have to make a change.
“Shingi (Kawondera) every time he has been coming from the bench his performance has been high, the same as Rediyoni (David),” said Mangwiro.
Pakamisa, who has been handed the armband and has done well in the last three matches playing in the midfield, will need about three to four weeks to recover from a groin injury.

Edmore Chafaungamoyo is also still on the sidelines with an injury.
Evans Gwekerere has also been battling for full fitness while Rahman Kutsanzira failed to last the first half at Trojan before being stretchered off the pitch.
CAPS United goalkeeper Itai Chiwara, who has played as the first choice in the last three matches, says he is excited to be the number one right now at the club.
Interestingly, the Green Machine haven’t a lost a match whenever the diminutive ‘keeper is in goals.

“There is a season for everything and one just has to wait for his chance. And I am glad I did and now here I am. There is pressure here and there but I will manage,” said Chiwara.

Tomorrow:
Black Mambas v Chicken Inn (Morris Depot Stadium), Monomotapa v Hwange (Rufaro), FC Platinum v Caps United (Mandava).
Sunday:
Hardbody v Gunners (Ascot), Highlanders v Shabanie (Barbourfields), Dynamos v Motor Action (Rufaro), Blue Rangers v Quelaton (Gwanzura), Buffaloes v Harare City (Sakubva).