adminThe win set the tone for the Zvishavane derby which has all the ingredients of a fierce quarter-final battle.
FC Platinum beat Harare City 3-0 in Kariba on Saturday.
Speaking shortly after his side’s victory, Masomere said his aim in this year’s competition was to go beyond the first hurdle which he has achieved.
He said he felt highly motivated by that they would be playing neighbours FC platinum in the quarter-finals.
“My aim coming into this year’s tournament was to go past the first round and I am happy to have achieved that.
“Any other result from now on will be a bonus for us.
“The only motivating factor left for me in this tournament is to play FC Platinum.
“Yesterday (Saturday) I was actually praying for them to beat Harare City and I am happy they managed that and I am looking forward to the quarter-finals,” said Masomere.
Last year Shabanie Mine went 1-4 down to blue Rangers in the first round.
The Zvishavane derby has become one of the fiercest rivalries in the country and dates back to when the two sides were still in the lower leagues.
The battle only gained prominence last year when FC Platinum joined the asbestos miners in the top-flight league and since then the former have dominated the derby.
In the first Premiership clash, FC Platinum walloped the Chinda Boys 3-1 before completing a double in the reverse fixture courtesy of a disputed Menard Mupera penalty.
The first part of this year’s Battle of Zvishavane ended in a two-all stalemate.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter