admin
Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
NORMAN Mapeza has hinted that Castle Lager Premiership dark horses FC Platinum will treat their showdowns against champions Dynamos with caution as they look to maintain their momentum in the title campaign. The platinum miners are enjoying good form and will be looking to get their revenge for the 1-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of the Harare giants earlier in the year.
However, Mapeza yesterday said they will not be fooled into complacency by the run of 12 games without defeat they have enjoyed, when they meet Dynamos. “We are playing the defending champions and we know they are a good team. So we are very much aware of what to expect in this game. We hope that we will play well and get a good result,” said Mapeza.
MORE . . .
“Our philosophy hasn’t changed. All games are crucial because at the end of the day what we need is a positive result. I hear some people are saying this match is more important as it will have an effect on the destiny of the championship. “No, it’s not like that because there are going to be eight more matches after this game. So we will not put unnecessary pressure on ourselves. The destiny of the championship is far from being decided.”
Mapeza’s men have not lost a match since May 10 when they went down 1-0 to the Glamour Boys in a tightly contested match at Rufaro. FC Platinum are currently third in the race with 38 points while Dynamos are in second place and just a point ahead, thus a win for the hosts will see them assume the second spot for the first time this year in the race.
The miners announced yesterday that they are ready to stage the match. The club also hopes to cash in on the expected huge turn out and have raised gate entry fees to $5 for the cheapest ticket. Club spokesperson Chido Chizondo said supporters will have to part with $10 for the VIP tickets and $15 to sit in the VVIP enclosure.
Chizondo said they are looking forward to the rivalry between FC Platinum and DeMbare.
“It has been our coach’s philosophy to take each game as it comes and we are fully behind him on that. So nothing much has changed with this game except that we have raised the gate charges a bit, the reason being that it is a big match. We wrote to the PSL requesting the hike and we received their blessing. “So we are expecting a good game on Saturday. We are urging our guys to fight a good fight and our supporters should come in full force. We don’t expect any unacceptable incidents. At the end of the day it’s football. It should be played in friendly spirit.
“Usually the atmosphere is electric and, because of our rivalry with Shabanie Mine, we expect to see more supporters in maroon colours mingling with those in blue and white. It just goes to show how beautiful football is in Zvishavane,” said Chizondo.
Another big game is expected on the day when Harare City host struggling giants Highlanders at Rufaro. Highlanders will be eager to see a change of fortunes as new coach Cosmas Zulu begins a fresh tenure to get the side back on its feet following a slump in form. Bosso have lost their last three matches prompting the leadership to relieve their former coach Bongani Mafu of his duties. But both teams have been inconsistent this season. Triangle, winless in the last three assignments, appear to have lost steam in the race but they have an opportunity to redeem themselves when they face lowly Whawha at Ascot on Sunday. The Sunshine Boys are fifth on the log standings with 31 points while Highlanders are sitting farther down the pack on 10th place and have 25 points in the bag.
Log leaders Chicken Inn will be at home against Sunday Chidzambwa’s ZPC Kariba.
Fixtures
Saturday: Harare City v Highlanders (Rufaro), Chicken Inn v ZPC Kariba (Luveve), FC Platinum v Dynamos (Mandava),
Flame Lily v Hwange (Lafarge)
Sunday: Whawha v Triangle (Ascot), Dongo Sawmill v Chapungu (Vengere), CAPS United v Buffaloes (NSS), Tsholotsho v How Mine (White City)
Online Reporter