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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
FOR the fourth time in six years Midlands province will witness the coronation of the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League champion and just like last season, it will be a team hailing from the province, FC Platinum.
The Zvishavane based platinum miners are just a point away from taking their points tally to an unassailable 72 and retain the Castle Lager Premiership title, having lifted it for the first time last year when they beat Chapungu United 2-0 at Ascot Stadium.
After brushing aside 2015 champions Chicken Inn 2-0 at Mandava Stadium on Wednesday, Pure Platinum take on fellow Midlanders Shabanie Mine in their next match.
A draw or as expected, a win against their already relegated neighbours will be enough for Norman Mapeza, the man driving FC Platinum to carve his own piece of history by becoming the first coach from outside Harare or Bulawayo to win back to back league titles.
Football fans from the Midlands will now enjoy the crowning spectacle for the fourth time inside six years after Dynamos were confirmed champions at Ascot Stadium in 2013 before Caps United followed suit in 2016 at the same venue while a 66 year dominance by Harare and Bulawayo based teams was broken last season when Mapeza lifted his second league title silverware as a coach with a victory over Chapungu at Ascot Stadium.
Mapeza’s first feel of the league title medal was in 2008 as a rookie coach with Monomotapa.
In what is set to be a year to remember for the platinum miners, they also stand to sweep individual player and coach awards in dramatic fashion.
Mapeza is most certain to be voted the Coach of the Year, retaining the accolade he was bestowed with last season when he shrugged off the challenge of then Dynamos coach Lloyd Mutasa. Mapeza’s midfielder Rodwell Chinyengetere, likely to land the Golden Boot award as he sits on 17 goals to date.
He is set to join the legendary duo of George Shaya and the larger than life figure of Peter Ndlovu, the only players to have been voted as the Soccer Star of the Year on two consecutive years.
FC Platinum’s coronation has been temporarily halted as Chibuku Cup semifinals take centre stage this weekend where Caps United lock horns with holders Harare City this afternoon while Dynamos and Triangle United square off tomorrow.
Both matches are set for Rufaro Stadium in Harare.
derick.khumalo