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Blessing Malinganiza
FC Platinum are unbeaten in their last 10 games and their coach Norman Mapeza is now demanding more consistency from his charges, as the season creeps towards the final third phase of the campaign.
The Zvishavane side are five points clear at the top, going into Match Day 20, and Mapeza wants his players to maintain their momentum when they take on Chicken Inn at Luveve tomorrow.
The Zvishavane miners are fresh from a goalless draw against champions Ngezi Platinum Stars at Mandava.
“We are playing a very good team, yes, they haven’t been getting positive results but they have the quality,” Mapeza said.
“Joey (Antipas) is a good coach, he knows what he is doing.”
Chicken Inn finally arrested a six-match winless run when they edged Arenel Movers 1-0 in a Bulawayo derby last weekend.
That victory pushed the Gamecocks to 27 points but they are 12 points behind FC Platinum.
“Chicken Inn are very high in confidence (after that victory), but what is important is for us is to keep the momentum going, let’s have the consistency,” said Mapeza.
FC Platinum will be without two key midfield players – Brian Banda and Hagiazo Magaya – who are serving suspension.
Banda was shown red when they beat Chegutu Pirates 3-1 at Baobab on Match Day 18.
Magaya received his third yellow card against Ngezi Platinum Stars last weekend.
“It’s unfortunate Magaya came back after some weeks on the sidelines and got booked, so he is sitting on three yellow cards.
“We are still waiting for confirmation from the PSL (regarding his suspension), but we don’t want to risk so he is out.
“But the the rest of the guys are okay, the guys who came in (against Ngezi Platinum Stars) they really did well. I am happy they showed that they can give us something at the end of the day,” Mapeza said. FC Platinum lead the standings with 39 points, five clear of Ngezi Platinum Stars and Simba Bhora who both play today.
If both teams win, then the gap between them and FC Platinum will be cut to just two points.
“I don’t know why these fixtures are like this, but we need to concentrate on our games, if they are going to cut the gap to two, it’s still game, we are not worried,” said Mapeza.
Online Reporter