adminPaul Mundandi in ZVISHAVANE
NORMAN Mapeza says this afternoon’s tie against Chicken Inn is key if they are to achieve their goal to finish in the top four and qualify for the Mbada Diamonds Cup.
FC Platinum are having a good run in which they have made it difficult for opponents to score goals against them.
“Our wish is to finish in the top four. Highlanders, Hwange, CAPS United, Chicken Inn and us all have a chance to be among the top four; so, we are taking the game seriously,” said Mapeza.
“I know the game is going to be very tough for us as Chicken Inn have been doing well.”
Since his arrival here, Mapeza has instilled confidence in the talents of youngsters and this has transformed his side into a very competitive unit.
The young team has pace and a lot of energy and they outclassed ZPC Kariba and picked a big point away to CAPS United.
Rising midfielder Wisdom Mutasa and Tatenda Dzumbunu, who missed the clash in Harare on Wednesday through injury, are back in the team.
The two have been impressive at the heart of the platinum miners.
Mapeza insists that he is building a team for the future and its impact will start to be felt next year when some of his young guns come of age.
It’s very clear that he has a team that could turn into the one to beat, if kept together, come next season.
But they badly need a top four finish, and a dance in the Mbada Diamonds Cup, to show that they are a side that is exploding with potential.
While all the focus has been on their forward line, it has been their defence which has been impressive and the FC Platinum fans have probably forgotten the last time they conceded a goal.
The defence has been so impressive that Zambian international Aaron Katebe has struggled to make the first team, but at the same time while being good enough to be called for national duty for Chipolopolo.
Chicken Inn coach Joey “Mafero” Antipas said yesterday he respected the opponents they are going to face today.
“Their frontline is excellent. They have good players in Chirwa (Obrey), Musona (Walter) and Mutasa (Wisdom),” said Antipas, whose team is also having a good run.
“It is a tough fixture for us coming to Mandava as they have been doing very well.
“They are in the Chibuku Cup final, they have won the ZNA Commander of Charities Cup, but we are also aiming for a top four finish and I am very confident that we are going to give them a good run.”
After a tough run, Chicken Inn have found their touch and are now one of the most consistent teams in the Premiership.
Online Reporter