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Eddie Chikamhi, Senior Sports Reporter
AHEAD of the Castle Lager Premiership top of the table clash between FC Platinum and Ngezi Platinum Stars at Mandava this afternoon, Norman Mapeza is oozing with confidence as he looks to cement his team’s place at the top of the pile.
Mapeza, whose FC Platinum are unbeaten in their last nine outings, yesterday branded the platinum derby a massive game.
It is going to be an interesting fixture as Ngezi Platinum Stars, who are the defending champions, are also in imperious form after stitching together a seven-match winning streak.
Ngezi Platinum have had a massive transformation after rising from the bottom half of the table into second place.
“It’s a massive game for us,” said Mapeza
“In terms of our preparations, everything has been going on well save for the fact that we will be missing about three guys through suspensions. At the end of the day there is nothing we can do.”
FC Platinum opened a five-point gap at the top of the table last week after taking their tally to 38 points. The burden will be more on Ngezi Platinum to hold back the former champions from extending their lead at the top.
But for Mapeza, winning the game will not have a huge impact in the championship race since the marathon is still a long way from being decided.
“This coming game is all about mentality, nothing else,” he said.
“If anybody wins this game, it doesn’t mean that is the end of the competition. What I expect is for the guys to really push like what I have been seeing in training in the last two days.
“The guys have really been pushing and, like what I said, it’s a massive game for us. But, it’s not a game that is going to decide anything come the end of the season.
“We were in the same situation again I think in 2018. We were on top of the table as well and we went to Ngezi and managed to win 2-1 but it didn’t change anything. Of course, the points tally may be reduced or increased but look we still have about 15 more games to go.
“I think we are having this game at a good time, second game in the second half of the season. I think it’s very important for us, at least it can give us another way to work our way forward. So, this is a very good time to have this game,” said Mapeza.
Fixtures
Today: Yadah v Bikita Minerals (Heart Stadium), GreenFuel v Simba Bhora (GreenFuel Arena), ZPC Kariba v Chegutu Pirates (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Mandava), Arenel Movers v Chicken Inn (Luveve)
Tomorrow: Hwange v Dynamos (Colliery), Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs (Barbourfields), Manica Diamonds v TelOne (Sakubva), CAPS United v Herentals (Rufaro)
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