adminFC Platinum suffered consecutive defeats to struggling Hwange at Mandava and CAPS United at the National Sports Stadium last Sunday to slide from top into fourth place.
The defeats came after the platinum miners had drawn with Highlanders at home and Monomotapa who held them 2-2 in the capital.
Now Platinum trail leaders Bosso by five points.
But Zambian gaffer Chilumba is not pressing the panic button just yet.
“We are still in contention of the big prize and there is nothing unusual because Real Madrid, Manchester United and Barcelona go through this on their way to the championship. We have not yet lost ground but we accept whatever result that comes because it’s part of the game,” said the Zambian gaffer.
“My boys were just unlucky not to win and they are also disappointed but I will not put pressure on them. They are doing everything and missing chances is part of the game.
“People should know that we (coaches) also want a result that is why we work hard from Monday to Sunday because we know what is at stake. Everyone needs to be successful”.
Despite a number of fans being wary of Harare City which has held the Premiership spellbound with their current form, the former Zambian national team midfielder sees nothing special about Sunshine Boys.
“They are just a team like us and they are not special. We have not been picking points lately and the game on Saturday is going to be our turning point as we have to collect maximum points.
“Everyone is ready and I am very happy with the community support. Fans can say their feelings because they are concerned but they must know that our side is not bad as we are still in contention for the championship as we are still in the top four,” said Chilumba.
FC Platinum started the season on a high note but their slump in form has left a number of their fans in Zvishavane worried.
While they have slid, Dynamos who struggled in their first six games have eased into second place while FC Platinum’s opponents on Saturday Harare City are now third, also on 21 points but with a better goal difference.
In fact Harare City could move into second place should they, as is largely expected be awarded maximum points for their match against Shabanie Mine which was abandoned at Maglas nine minutes from time when they were leading 3-1.
Platinum have assembled one of the strongest teams in the Premiership this season with such players like captain Daniel Veremu, newboys Aaron Katebe and Obrey Chirwa, Ali Sadiki, Nelson Maziwisa, Charles Sibanda, Daniel Ngoma, Thabani Kamusoko and Michelle Katsvairo available.
The FC Platinum against Harare Cioty game is one of five matches lined up for Saturday across the country.
Under fire coach Gishon Ntini will be hoping for some rekleif when his debutants Triangle host Buffaloes at Gibbo.
Ntini has had to battle with uncertainty over his future each week with a number of names already being thrown around as possible replacements for the outspoken former CAPS Unite coach.
That scenario has left Ntini under pressure to deliver and only a win against Buffaloes could help silence his critics and ensure another day in the office for the coach who previously took charge of Shooting Stars and had a brief stint in Botswana.
Struggling Motor Action, who are having a nightmarish2013 campaign and are just forth from the bottom, will make the long trip to Beitbridge to face Tripple B with veteran coaches Joey Antipas and David George hoping that the Mighty Bulls will pick up some crucial points.
Motor Action have only managed just three wins and as many draws in 12 starts while Tripple B who fired coach Friday Phiri are eager to begin their glide from the foot of the log table.
Fixtures:
Saturday:
FC Platinum v Harare City (Mandava); Chicken Inn v Black Mambas (Luveve), Triangle v Buffaloes (Gibbo) Tripple B v Motor Action (Dulibadzimu); Momomotapa v CAPS United (Rufaro)
Sunday:
Dynamos v Black Rhinos (Rufaro); Hwange v Highlnders (Colliery); Shabanie v How Mine (Maglas)
Online Reporter