Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza has acknowledged the magnitude of his team’s highly-anticipated blockbuster Castle Lager Premier Soccer clash against Scottland but revealed that the miners are ready for the test of their pedigree.
Mapeza’s men will receive flamboyant Scottland at Mandava tomorrow in a match whose outcome could add another twist to the title race in which both sides are key actors.
FC Platinum remain the only team in the Premiership still to taste defeat in 22 matches.
This, however, is an encounter in which neither side can afford to drop points, what with champions Simba Bhora and Scottland’s fellow newboys MWOS, in with a big shout and 2023 kings Ngezi Platinum Stars the dark horses.
Former Zimbabwe coach Mapeza is under no illusions about the task awaiting his four-time champions.
“We are facing a very good team, one of the best-assembled squads in the country,” said Mapeza.
In the history of local football, only Black Rhinos have managed to win a title in their debut season.
Mapeza has drawn similarities with the 1984 Black Rhinos and the current Scottland squad.
“If we don’t talk about the Rhinos of 1984, where they picked the best players in the league, this is one of the clubs that has done that.
“Their intentions are clear. If you look at their position locally, we don’t need anyone to tell us what they really want.
“So, we know the challenges ahead.”
Mapeza has added to his side’s depth with the arrivals of such players like the former CAPS United duo of Eric Manokore, and Hastings Chapusha.
The coach, however, wants the new players to quickly raise their fitness levels and match the FC Platinum expectations.
“What most people don’t understand is that when you bring in new players, you can’t just throw them straight into the game.
“You have to assess their physical condition, how strong they are, how fit.
“Technically, they might be fine, but at this stage of the season, physical conditioning is key.
“Maybe we’ll give them a few minutes, but I can’t promise that they will start.
“Like I said, we have to check their fitness first.”
Mapeza is also happy with the consistency with which FC Platinum are playing.
“We’re ready. I’m happy the boys have been pushing hard.
“What’s important is that we give everything in this game and see what happens on Saturday.”
Fourth-placed FC Platinum have 40, three behind Scottland who are second and four adrift of leaders Simba Bhora.
The miners have, however, played one game less.
Having coached the Warriors, Mapeza knows all too well the threat posed by his national team prodigies, who include the visitors’ new signing and ex-Zimbabwe captain Knowledge Musona.
Their star power has only intensified the hype around the encounter, so much so that FC Platinum has hiked gate charges, with the cheapest ticket now set at $5.
