adminPaul Mundandi Sports Reporter
NORMAN Mapeza has called for patience and is hoping for a positive start this afternoon when FC Platinum host Tsholotsho in their opening Castle Lager Premiership tie at Mandava. The Zvishavane side are one of the favourites for the league championship title this year.
“It’s a very important game for us and we need to start the season very well, on a positive note. We are aware that Tsholotsho collected maximum points in their first game of the season,” said Mapeza.
“My camp is free from injuries and I am appealing to everyone, including our fans, to rally behind the team and also to be patient as we are just starting the season,” said Mapeza.
Mapeza had a quite pre-season and wants his lads to be focussed from the first whistle.
FC Platinum were in the race for the championship until the final two weeks of the season last year and the coach wants them to have a storming start.
Mapeza has already brought seven players to strengthen a squad that many feel has the potential of winning the championship.
Rodwell Chinyengetere and Hillary Bakacheza headlined those who arrived during the off-season and there are huge expectations that they will add value to the team.
Winger Marshall Mudehwe, who was a ball of nerves when he turned for the national team, is expected to do better now that he is back to familiar territory.
Zambian forward Obrey Chirwa and Brain Muzondiwa are some of the forwards in the team.
Tsholotsho said they were ready for the battle.
“We are very ready for the match. We prepared very well during the off-season. Our target tomorrow (today) is collecting maximum points against FC Platinum,” said Lizwe Sweswe, the Tsholotsho gaffer.
Sweswe is assisted by former Highlanders coach Bongani Mafu and Joel Luphlahla who doubles as team manager.
They have signed Collins Duwa, Mustafa Ponyera, Blessing Sibanda and defender Trust Nyabinde who will be expected to plunge into action this afternoon.
Online Reporter