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Ray Bande
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MANICA Diamonds slippery forward, Michael Tapera, did much of the damage as he sealed a fine performance with a solitary goal that, not only separated the two teams, but gave maximum points to his team against FC Platinum.
The game was played at Sakubva Stadium in April.
A stoppage time goal by second half substitute, Tapera, was enough for Manica Diamonds to beat FC Platinum.
That victory saw the Mutare side claiming its fifth win in a row, and eased into the second position on the log table – just two points behind then pacesetters, Highlanders.
Last Saturday, FC Platinum’s winless streak continued after being handed another 0-1 home defeat by Manica Diamonds at Mandava Stadium.
Enoch Karembo was on target, and the result came as a huge setback for the Norman Mapeza-coached side that has gone for three consecutive league games without tasting victory.
Last Saturday’s triumph meant Manica Diamonds now occupies third position on the latest log standings, putting them back on the rails to pursue the coveted 2024 season Premier Soccer League title.
On the other hand, FC Platinum’s last triumph was in August against Arenel Movers.
And this afternoon, FC Platinum will take their not-so-pure platinum play to Sakubva Stadium in Mutare where they will battle out for the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals ticket against Manica Diamonds.
If the Zvishavane-based outfit loses today’s encounter against the hosts, it will mark a historic third defeat at the hands of Jairos Tapera’s men this season.
Indeed, it is already being christened the Gem Boys’ Operation Triple Strike!
Jairos Tapera reckons that it will not be easy to beat FC Platinum thrice in one season, but the former Warriors’ caretaker coach inherently believes it can still be achieved.
“I know it will not be easy to defeat the same team of FC Platinum’s calibre three times in one season.
“The fact that we have beaten them twice in back-to-back Castle Lager Premiership matches so far this season should obviously give them impetus to turn the tables against us.
“Obviously, they will be coming to Sakubva Stadium fully prepared, and ready for the encounter. More importantly, they will be here to prove a point and redeem themselves. That only makes the match much more difficult for us.
“However, I think we are also ready for the tie.
“We have prepared well, and all we want is to attain that which we have set as out as our target and that is nothing short of winning the Chibuku Super Cup trophy,” he said.
Winning the Chibuku Super Cup quarter final encounter against FC Platinum today will not only see the Mutare side gunning for the semi-finals, but also keeping alive the dream for a league and cup double.
Manica Diamonds are already within the striking distance in the Castle Lager Premiership race.
In other Chibuku Super Cup quarter finals matches, Ngezi Platinum face in-form CAPS United at Baobab Stadium this afternoon.
Tomorrow, Castle Lager Premiership log leaders, Simba Bhora will entertain wounded Bulawayo giants, Highlanders at Wadzanai Stadium in Shamva, while the duel pitting Dynamos and Yadah was postponed.
Online Reporter