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Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane
NORMAN Mapeza, the FC Platinum coach, is hoping to proceed to the final of the Chibuku Super Cup when his charges clash with Black Rhinos at Rufaro Stadium tomorrow.
“It’s a different ball game and the team that wins will go to the next stage and it’s not a league match. Black Rhinos have improved since Mathuthu (Jostein) took over and when we beat him in Kadoma it was in the dying minutes of the match.
“Every coach and player wants to reach a cup final and win it and that’s our desire. In Europe there’s the Uefa Cup, the Spanish Cup in Spain and I’m working hard to get to the final and see what happens,” said Mapeza.
At their training yesterday, the FC Platinum players showed that they were committed to doing well in the tournament.
They even worked on penalties.
Qadr Amin set out with an injury.
Despite the absence of Amin, Mapeza is happy with his squad.
“I’m happy with my squad as I don’t have injuries and I’m just waiting for the two guys who were part of the Under-23 squad that played against Swaziland on Wednesday. I’ll assess them when I get to Harare but I hope they didn’t get any knocks,” said the gaffer.
Mapeza has become a darling of many here with the way his team has continued to play a fluid game compared to the days of Lloyd Mutasa and are favourites to win tomorrow.
The platinum miners are still in the running for a top four finish and probably may find themselves in the Mbada Diamonds Cup semi-finals.
Mapeza has been a strict disciplinarian since his arrival, hence the team’s performance has greatly improved.
Donald Ngoma, Zambian import Obrey Chirwa and Michelle Katsvairo who looked lethal at training, are expected to lead the attack tomorrow.
The team also welcomes back defensive midfielder Thabani Kamusoko who is expected to add experience to Tatenda Dzumbunu, Walter Musona and man-of-the-moment Wisdom Mutasa, who seems to have taken Zvishavane by storm with some good performances.
Mutasa was on target against Swaziland on Wednesday scoring the second goal. If he is on song then Chauya Chipembere will be in trouble.
Former Dynamos son Gift Bello is playing a game of his life in defence that has hard working right back Raphael Muduviwa, James Marufu, the Moyo twins Kelvin and Elvis.
“I’m still in a process and I’ve not achieved anything. I’m thinking of the Chibuku Super Cup as well as the last five games of the league,” said Mapeza.
Online Reporter