Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
NORMAN Mapeza insists that today’s game against defending champions Ngezi Platinum at Mandava Stadium is not a title decider.
Despite FC Platinum being five points ahead of Ngezi Platinum heading into the Match Day 19 fixtures, Mapeza remains cautious. FC Platinum currently tops the log with 38 points, while Ngezi Platinum follows closely with 33 points.
This clash is one of the marquee matchups on the local calendar. Some argue that these two teams are gradually replacing the traditional giants — Highlanders, Dynamos, and CAPS United — as the country’s top teams.
This argument holds weight. The two sides have claimed the last five PSL titles, with FC Platinum winning four consecutively before Ngezi Platinum secured their maiden title last season. Heading into this afternoon’s encounter, Ngezi Platinum has won their last seven matches, while FC Platinum remains undefeated in nine.
Despite the high stakes, Mapeza refuses to label this match a title decider.”This coming game against Ngezi is all about mentality and nothing else. If anyone wins this game it doesn’t mean it’s the end of the competition.
What I expect is for the guys to really push like they have been doing at training in the past two days. It’s a massive game but it won’t decide anything at the end of the season.”It won’t decide anything, we were in the same situation I think in 2018 and we managed to win 2-1 in Ngezi but it did not change anything.
Of course, the points tally may be increased or reduced but we have 15 more games to go. I think we are having this game at a good time. It’s the second game of the second-half of the season and l think it’s important to play this game at this time because it gives us another way to work our way forward.
It’s a good time for this game,” said Mapeza. Mapeza described the game as a massive fixture.
“We are having a massive game this weekend. It’s a massive game for us but look, in terms of our preparations everything is going well, save for the guys who will miss the game, Lawrence Mhlanga is on three yellow cards while Brian Banda got a red card last weekend,” said Mapeza.
He said the club must utilise their home advantage.
“We are playing at home. We need to maximise on the home advantage but that does not mean we can’t lose or even draw at home but everywhere you go you have to collect three points. We have to have the same mentality from the previous games and push for a positive result,” said Mapeza.
In other matches scheduled for this afternoon, Yadah will host Bikita Minerals at the Heart Stadium, while Green Fuel will take on Simba Bhora. ZPC Kariba will face Chegutu Pirates at Nyamhunga, and Arenel will clash with Chicken Inn at Luveve.
On Sunday, Hwange will welcome the struggling Dynamos to the Colliery. Highlanders will be involved in a city derby against Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields Stadium. Manica Diamonds will host TelOne at Sakubva, and CAPS United will meet Herentals at Rufaro.
Fixtures
Saturday: Yadah v Bikita Minerals ( Heart Stadium), Green Fuel v Simba Bhora (GreenFuel Arena), ZPC Kariba v Chegutu Pirates (Nyamhunga Stadium) , FC Platinum v Ngezi Platinum (Mandava Stadium) Arenel Movers’ v Chicken Inn (Luveve Stadium)
Sunday: Hwange v Dynamos (Colliery Stadium), Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs (Barbourfields Stadium), Manica Diamonds v TelOne (Sakubva), CAPS v Herentals (Rufaro Stadium). – @innocentskizoe.
Online Reporter